Women Who Rock “Dance the Archive” (Un) Conference

Group 9: Alexis Alexander, Tina Nguyen, Hannah Kim, and Roberto Lopez (GWSS 241/ AFRAM 337)

We selected these photos because they capture the vibrant atmosphere of the Women Who Rock (Un) Conference. They are representative of the important moments, people, and artifacts that make the event so special and electric. From the kick-off of the event with the beautiful Fandango performance by Milvia and Iris, to the vendors who displayed their culturally rich artwork, this event had so many interesting components which made it a success. By working together as a group on this project and choosing these photos in particular, we were able to cohesively make decisions that show diverse, quality shots of the event. This experience opened our eyes to all of the amazing women involved in the music industry, and helped us learn about the importance of giving a voice to underrepresented communities.

Our group chose to select these six photos (below) in particular as it really presented the growth and expansion of the “Women Who Rock (Un) Conference”. Within each photo selected, the artwork and unity among women are represented. That being an cultural dance performance, instrumental demonstrations (Amarillo drummers), or pieces of handcrafted artistry. The collaboration within women and the unique ideas shared really inspired our group to select these photos. Surrounded by numerous pieces of art, the performers in particular and bold displays caught our attention. It allowed many individuals to particulate and stay engaged throughout the (Un) Conference.

“Where Do I Come From?”
March 16, 2019 at the Centilia Culture Center
Caption: Fandango performance by Milvia Pacheco (left) and Iris Viveros (right)

Photographer: Alex Alexander

Archive categories: Making Scenes
Image file name: fandangodance.png

Fandango performance by Milvia and Iris made a scene of cultural embracement. Milvia’s desire of wanting to extend the peace in the future left a mark of hope and love for ones originality. The performance left a mood that indicated women of expression.

“Art at the Centilia Culture Center”
March 16, 2019 at the Centilia Culture Center
Caption: A representation of what this event is all about. It shows the importance of paying tribute to ancestors and carrying on traditions that they started.

Photographer: Alex Alexander

Archive Categories: Building Communities
Image file name: womenwhorockmural.png

In order for the community to build upon the importance of diversity, exposure can make a big impact. This image that holds tiles of vivid colors and meaning that the community can follow and live upon. It showcases the significance of past ancestors for society to be aware of.

“#Vivas nos queremos”
March 16, 2019 at the Centilia Culture Center
Caption: Art presented by #vivasnosqueremos was displayed throughout the event, and this piece in particular was captivating because it shows how we all come from the same Earth and should be able to live peacefully amongst each other.

Photographer: Alex Alexander

Archive Categories: Building Communities
Image file name: vivasnosqueremos.png

This art piece is monochrome, although holds bright content that holds our community together. It devotes for our company to live peacefully and in unity between each other.  The human figures/shadows stand together with a growing tree in between. Dreaming and aiming for a tighter public.

“Cuactli Xihuicualti Arte”
March 16, 2019 at the Centilia Culture Center
Caption: A photo of Leslie presenting her art at the Dance the Archive (Un) Conference. This is a display of beautiful art that comes from her culture.

Photographer: Alex Alexander

Archive Categories: Reel Rebels
Image file name: leslievendorart.png

The shown artwork is all handcrafted by Leslie, the women in the image. I chose to categorize this particular image as “Reel Rebel” as she has used her knowledge to create something new and aesthetic relmed around her culture. Her creation creates appreciation and attention for her dignity. Her designs were unique and eye catching for the audience.

“Bomba Drummers & Percussionist”
March 16, 2019 at the Centilia Culture Center
Caption: The Bomba drummers & percussionist (Amarilys Rios, Denise Solís, Ivelisse Diazare, etc) playing for the crowd at the Women Who Rock (Un) Conference, as many participants dance in this collaborative environment to the steady beat.

Photographer: Alex Alexander

Archive Categories: Making Scenes
Image file name: amarillodrummers.png

The Amarillo drummers made a big scene as they brought and performed their music to the crowd. Not just any music, but music that comes from their ancestors long ago. Holding onto the drums and creating the sounds among one another left a beautiful remark as people joined to dance and get involved within the practices of their culture.

“Brown Angel All Naturals”
March 16, 2019 at the Centilia Culture Center
Caption: A vendor at the Women Who Rock (Un) Conference who brought these all natural skin and hair care products. These are special because they haven’t been commercialized the way most products are today – they have been handcrafted.

Photographer: Alex Alexander

Archive Categories: Making Scenes
Image file name: vendoritems.png

With numerous vendors presented, this particular vendor felt special as there were products for self care. The (Un) Conference revolving around women, these products were for upholding beauty. Playing a bigger role as they were natural and handcrafted, one of a kind.

Below are the interviews that were conducted at the (Un) Conference. Here is the Live-Blog Post URL https://womenwhorockcommunity.org/2019/03/16/live-blog-post-1-group-9-tina-nguyen/

Title: “Embracing One’s Identity”

Interviewee: Leslie

Date: March 16, 2019

Interviewer: Hannah Kim

Object type & Format: Audio

Length of Interview: 1:01

Interview #1 Transcribed:

Hannah: What does this (Un) Conference mean to you?

Leslie: This conference in particular means being able to embrace one’s identity and being able to embrace the resiliency that comes from trauma and particularly diaspora. Being able to see how students are so engaged and really into learning about different cultures. And being able to be your authentic self, while being a scholar at the same time.

Hannah: What do you think is the most significant part of this event?

Leslie: Probably meeting the different students cause I’m an educator, and being able to see how open and engage all the students are especially a topic that has to do with diaspora. But still womanhood empowerment.

Hannah: Thank you so much.

FIN

Title: “Looking at Perspectives”

Interviewee: Aileen

Date: March 16, 2019

Interviewer: Hannah Kim

Object type & Format: Audio

Length of Interview: 00:35

Interview #2 Transcribed:

Hannah: What does this (Un) Conference mean to you?

Aileen: I think it’s a really cool opportunity to see diverse perspectives especially in Seattle, I’m originally from Southern California so it’s just cool to see a lot of different diversity liking one another.

Hannah: What’s the most significant part of this event for you?

Aileen: I think meeting people, but also just seeing how engaged everybody is!

Hannah: Thank you so much.

FIN

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