DSLR
had a central hub from which the campaign unfolded. The hub was designed to connect various
practitioners of reclamation as well as initiate a critical
dialogue about the building of a radical aesthetic/arts movement
in Chicago and beyond. The Butcher Shop, a converted warehouse,
served as a hub and meeting spot for the events. Graffiti by
local artists blanketed the walls of the space, which also included
a floor-to-ceiling art gallery with collages of wheatpasted posters
and photos of graffiti and other public art from around the country.
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DSLR
consisted of 59 reclamation projects and over 100 organizers. Each
project was carried out over the weekend and posted with a flag
on the DSLR campaign map of Chicago upon completion. Video documentation
was edited at the hub and presented on a wall of 24 monitors.
The hub included stickers, posters, wheat paste tools, spray
paint and documentation.
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Guerrilla
Love Radio (107.lFM) broadcasted out of the space,
with the mic open to anyone who chose to take it. We wanted to
create an atmosphere akin to a campaign headquarters w here the
city begins to look like something we can physically take back.
The HQ also had couches, lending libraries, project space, documentation
and free food for participants and supporters.
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Reclaiming
of land and space took place in literal, symbolic and psychological
forms in the various projects. The physical reclaiming of
space took place through things like stickers and graffiti.
The symbolic reclaiming of power happened through political
messages about consumerism and democracy. Overall, artists
claimed psychological rebellion against the homogenization
of culture and the social norms that suppress things like
spontaneous creativity, freedom of expression and public
displays of affection.
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There
were panels throughout the weekend that addressed public
space, concepts of public
art, and the politics of privatization. The panels included
members of The University of Hip Hop, Queer to the Left, and
Temporary Services, among others.
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DSLR
brought together activists, artists, youth organizers,
academics, and anyone who wanted
to either participate or watch. The hub was a hive of activity
for the entire weekend, around the clock.
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After
the weekend the hub was well decorated by all types
of artists.
