@irismexico Iris México
Discover the artistic journey of Iris México, freedom of expression activist! Explore her artivist and libertarian projects. #Art #FreedomOfExpression #HumanRights 🎨❤️🇲🇽 https://wp.me/p3JLEZ-7GI
This time I share with you this interview published in 2006 on: “Mujeres”, magazine from Oaxaca, México. This is part of the digitization process of Atma Unum’s archive.
IRIS MÉXICO believes in the defense of freedoms, plurality, and democracy always
Censorship is fear, ignorance, fundamentalism, repression, authoritarianism, a blockade to plurality, democracy, and freedom, and in general, to the development of our culture.
If her artistic name doesn’t give you enough provocation, her long list of censorships and exhibitions will give you an idea of who she is because she is Iris México.
In the Legislative Palace, she was denied the presentation of her work after her participation had been confirmed; they simply did not allow her to enter through the suppliers’ entrance while her work, which was already inside, laying on the floor. She has also been censored in the Insurgentes metro, in the Zócalo Capitalino, and in other public spaces.
-What is behind censorship?
Censorship is fear, ignorance, and fundamentalism, repression, authoritarianism, a blockade to plurality, democracy, and freedom, and in general, to the development of our culture. I participate in Manifesto Conceptual, an art activism project, developing projects against censorship and in favor of freedom of expression, in general and in particular the freedom of criticism, “Pacheco” art, pornographic art, among others.
In my works “Danger Brain / Conceptual Manifesto for Freedom of Criticism”, and “AltaMENTE Radioactiva” (Highly Radioactive), I emphasize that it is through free thought, the use of intelligence, and wit that we create renewals, expand consciousness, and broaden the margins of art and culture.
-What are you seeking through provocation?
I recreate and question through images and artistic discourses the status quo, exercising civil disobedience in favor of justice changes and being part of the counter-culture; these actions may be taken lightly as merely a provocation. However, they are part of the pillars in a cultural evolution and of libertarian voices that seek to raise awareness in our society regarding rights and human freedoms. I am not alone… Those who believe in a better world are part of a large community convinced that we can all do something for ourselves today.
-How can these artistic movements help your country?
My work is a product of and for our culture, country, history, and time. I am an activist artist, and I am aware that we should not “help” Mexico or our neighbor; I don’t believe in social compassion. Rather, each of us does our own part and conquers our freedom, prosperity, and fulfillment… It is the sum of our efforts what makes a better Mexico. At no point do I consider myself a judge of culture; I always know I am part of it, just a drop in the ocean, although that ocean is not the same if it lacks a drop.
Art is universal; my work has been seen outside of Mexico through exhibitions, media coverage, and the Internet. I am against considering art always within national borders. No to the cactus curtain! We must tear down the barriers that exist within our hearts and minds.
This also reminds us that Iris México is a performance artist at heart, where she creates the resource of characters (Alter egos) that have allowed her to express the different facets of the artist.
“Spice, Red Hot Chili,” a redhead and boxer, she is a volunteer cheerleader for the Olympic games.
“Sugar Bloom Iris,” pink-haired and flirtatious, believes in fashion, without being foolish.
“Vamp Iris,” perhaps the most dangerous, due to her bipolarity, can go from being a geek of the Internet, in slippers and all, to a Harley lover.
“Blue Iris,” a mermaid who has legs or a tail, depending on her emotional state, of course, is the ecological one.
“Drag Queen June Iris,” the activist and collector of decorated vagina and penis photos from her friends.
-Which of them can help us? As they would say in that show with Chapulín Colorado (given the circumstances our state is going through.)
The creation of these Alter egos you mention, performative characters, is because I am a fan of comics, manga, cinema, and novels. I do not like Chespirito. In Oaxaca activism; Queen and the Tripping Butterflies organized the first March for Plurality, Pride, and Art on June 3, which painted the city rainbow.
I lived several years in this city, working at El Imparcial, in channel 9 and organized the First Oaxaca-Chiapas Encounter, with over 50 visual artists; now I continue to visit the state frequently and exhibit in the Galería Punto y Línea and in the Casa de los Milagros.
None of my characters have been linked to the problem with the teachers union in Oaxaca, although my relationship with Oaxaca is very close and my commitment to democracy has been evidenced through multiple projects.
-Don’t you think the attitude taken by political parties, towards the homeland itself, is more offensive than what you intend as a form of artistic expression?
My artistic expression has always been conducted with professionalism and in defense of freedom; it is the result of sustained work since I have over fifteen years of career. If it offends, a lot has to do with the censorship or self-censorship of the viewer and their frames of reference.
Regarding national symbols, I advocate that Mexicans be free to use them not only under worldwide cup or football permissiveness but always, as it is one of our individual guarantees to display our nationality. Currently, we have over 700 signatures on the “Conceptual Manifesto ‘Defend Freedom, not National Symbols.’”
I believe that in our country there is currently discredit in political parties and the exercise of power. I am convinced that necessary social development can come, among other forces, from the organization of civil society.
Unfortunately, many non-profit organizations have seen their income decrease as well as the credibility of the guild due to the notorious scandals of “Vamos México,” a megalomania attempting to encompass government and civil society, exercised from the presidency.
I founded and direct Arte y Más (Art and More), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting contemporary art, and we work thanks to the voluntary collaboration of people with all kinds of political, sexual, or religious orientations.
My stronghold will always be art, and with the Tripping Butterflies party, Queen presents her international performance as the queen of presidential candidates, and several of her billboards say in Spanish and English phrases like “Everyone wants to sleep with you, but I’ll do it in style,” “Butterflies, let’s vote, let’s travel the rainbow.”
-Iris México Citizen, will you defend democracy with all your might on July 2?
Iris México believes in the defense of freedoms, plurality, and democracy always, as she has documented in her artistic trajectory, and not just during voting times. Iris México believes in proudly showing herself as Mexican, never Nazi-nationalist, and always a citizen of the world. Iris México manifests in favor of peace always, and not just in the face of terrorist or imperialist threats. Iris México lives in and for contemporary art, by vocation, conviction, and choice.
The principles of Iris México are freedom, brotherhood, love, and those guide her in her life and artistic work. Iris México is art and heart.
Original publication:
- Hernández, Kélmic. Photography: Torres, Barak. (July 2006) IRIS MÉXICO believes in the defense of freedoms, plurality, and democracy always. Women’s Magazine. Communication that awakens emotions. Year V no. 51. Oaxaca. pp. Cover, editorial 3, interview 25 and 26.
Continue your reading:
- Emotional Damage in “Special Real Estate” Fraud
- Today I Am Lucid and with a Fighting Heart
- Conceptual Manifesto for a Patrimony Law
- Explaining Real Estate Dispossession
- How would you feel facing the eviction from your home?
- The Crime by Omission of Morena in Real Estate Frauds
- Art and National Symbols. The Mexican Flag and Anthem
- Iris Mexico Celebrates the Sweet Homeland with a Swan
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