MAYOWA AINA
The Arts of Politics...
During the summer of 2015 I had the immense pleasure of travelling to Lima, Peru with the Comparative History of Ideas Department to study the intersections of art, culture, and politics – examining the ways in which artists, activists, and the Peruvian state have used culture for a variety of political projects ranging from food sovereignty to issues of social justice and social movements.
I worked directly with Peruvian artists and Indigenous activists around themes of inequality, social justice, and memory in post-conflict societies.
I completed an independent research project in which I examined the current political system and climate within Lima specifically understanding how media and digital media influenced political understanding and perception. A representation of my research can be found here.
Practicing my Spanish-speaking skills was difficult but easier than I thought it would be, and eating alpaca, guinea pig, and other interesting and delicious food were just some highlights of my experience!
My biggest take away from the experience was learning how creativity and art can be a powerful force for political change, healing, and expression, and an integral aspect of leadership.
My blog from the trip can be found here.