Ephimero: A tag to exist (Talude)
Mixed media. 2024
We build ourselves from a multiplicity of experiences, behaviors, and heritage that are constantly changing. In an attempt to articulate who we are we put ourselves into categories that seem fixed, but it is an inherent survival skill to be in constant change. Everyone shares the fundamental characteristic of having a fluid identity, therefore, any definition of ourselves is ephemeral, true only to a specific time and space.
The tag is the first thing any graffiti artist writes on a wall, and what they use to develop their own unique language. A tag is a performed signature created by adding or subtracting material from a surface in an illicit context; it is a way to say I exist.
Around the world people of all ages, and, across all social-economical backgrounds practice tagging. This practice has the ability to articulate to the world someone’s true identity; it also helps build communities, and creates space for interpersonal exchange of knowledge.
Interested in how a tag is developed from someone’s need to articulate and expose its true identity; and how a tag serves as tool to occupy spaces to promote fluidity, we created a collaborative piece and individual pieces that reflects on each kid’s specific circumstances; specifically their social reality and their role in their community.
Every kid developed their own tag to hold as a tool to exist, something to create territory in their life journey. This series of photographs shows some of the individual piece created during the workshop. During the collaborative work kids learned and practiced the principles of horizontality and community building that holds the practice of tagging. The paintings were developed during the @maisunomaisum residency in 2023. The photographs were made in collaboration with @sofia.marcos
Side B
Side A
Show at NOVA SBE, Carcavelos.
Workshop
