http://web.mac.com/studioartservices/Studio_Art_Services,_Inc./formula_press.html This piece was based on the Table of Elements. (the title clues you in on to how to decode it as shown above)
When you read the capital letters it says, “POLITICALLY ITS OK TO HATE THE WHITE MAN”
When you read the small case letters, it says, “is it ok for me to hate if ive been a victim”
It was immediately labeled “racist” and a public outcry ensued.
this statement was read by the artist at a forum held by the city of Atlanta at the request of Mayor Shirley Franklin to discuss whether or not “formula for hate” should continue to hang in City Gallery East.
Formula for Hate
I love my country! The United States of America, in my opinion, is the greatest country on earth. It is the most diverse place in the world and open to anyone willing to obey it’s laws. It is the most generous. When there is need anywhere in the world, the citizens of this country personally reach deep into their own pockets, and more, to provide anything that is asked of them. No questions asked and nothing expected in return. It is a place of limitless opportunities. It is still the place where you can reach for the stars. Within reason, anything is possible. It is a place where you’re given a second chance, again and again. If you’ve fallen, and you’re willing to look deep inside and make the necessary changes, this is the place where a second chance is only the beginning of the gifts offered you. I could go on and on about our qualities, but there is not enough time here for that now.
And I know that there are those among us, and elsewhere who would disagree with me. In fact I’m sure I’ve just alienated even more people. You/they have that right, that’s just another great thing about this country. And yet, there lies the problem. I keep hearing politicians and others telling me the people have spoken, the people want change, the people want this and that, and I’m thinking, who are these people they keep talking about? I know that most of the times I hear those words, I disagree, so they can’t be talking about me. I for one am tired of both of the extremes, on the left and on the right. I am tired of our self-loathing and how that gets the most press. I am tired of the bias in the news and how they deny it. I am tired of those who’ve been afforded the ability to amass great wealth and fame here, only to constantly spit in this country’s face. I take that personally and I am not alone. It’s time that the hard working, law abiding people in this country, those who go about their business quietly, taking care of their families and loved ones, those who choose their fights carefully and don’t have the time nor the luxury to make fools of themselves, to be shown some respect. And it doesn’t matter what color, race, religion, education, sexual preference, size, age or what our individual pursuits are, leave us alone and stop lumping us together to suit your political agendas.
It is time for those of us who live in the here and now, who can appreciate our differences and live together to start healing the best way we can by becoming better informed and moving forward. Never forgetting the past, always learning from it, and making better choices so that our children can live happily and care free, so that they may grow up and make a difference in this crazy world.
Alvaro Alvillar
