Protest Art Around the World #3

Chile’s Protests and Embroidery

A protester in Chile wears a hand embroidered mask on the streets of Santiago. With one eye covered, the mask references the bandaged eyes that have become a common sight.

At least 241 Chileans have suffered eye injuries during protests, according to Chile’s Institute of Human Rights. Chilean security forces have fired rubber bullets filled with metal and tear gas canisters, targeting those recording events in particular.
Nationwide unrest in response to low wages and the high cost of living began with high school students leading action to jump subway toll barriers. The Chilean government announced a referendum in April, but unrest has not abated.

Image: @crossing__worlds: "Performance - Plaza de la Dignidad, 17.01

This hand knitted mask features an embroidered bandaged eye, making use of a rallying symbol in Chile’s anti-government protests. It also has similarities with Pussy Riots’ pink balaclavas, the pink knitted ‘pussyhats’ of the US’ Women’s March and the masks used by Mexican Luchador fighters.⠀

Image: @somosevasion

Chilean feminist groups Las Capuchas Rojas and Teatro Síntoma have taken to the streets to perform protest dances whilst wearing their embroidered red masks.

Song and dance in public space has become viral, with other collectives including La stesis creating a mass choreographed declaration called ‘Un Violador en Tu Camino’ which has now been performed by groups around the world. Performance artist Cheril Linett and her collective Yeguadalatinomericana were some of the earliest to intervene in the protests by putting mare’s tails in front of armed police and barricades.