Rosa Naparstek

Personal artistic statement:

After many years in various political groups, organizations and movements, starting in the 60's as a student, later as an attorney, and now, after having left the practice of law, as an artist, I have come to believe that meaningful change cannot occur without fundamental personal and political transformation. This requires a profound shift in how we view politics and the political process. I think all political work is significant, and it is important that it be done on all levels. However, I think it essential that those with a more encompassing, holistic vision of politics, develop themselves in a different manner than we have been accustomed to. It is not enough to challenge the status quo; we need to reach the best in ourselves in order to inspire the best in all to come forward.

I am of the radical belief that 'the means is the end,' and that process is political action. I am interested in developing a "unitive politics" that can build a cohesive movement which integrates being and doing, and models the world we want to create.

I have had a lot of experience in political organizations and in community process building work (in NYC, Detroit, San Francisco). I am presently active in neighborhood groups (several of which I started) in my upstate Manhattan community and am a board member of the Foundation for Ethics and Meaning. I am also co-director of the newly formed Center for Community and Dialogue which is dedicated to "Developing and Enhancing the Capacity of Individuals and Communities for Social and Political Transformation."

As an artist, I explore inner landscapes for the emotional roots of the world we create personally and politically. Much of what I do centers around childhood memories and experiences and is concerned with questions of cruelty and its source within us

I seek exciting opportunities to meet and work with others to help "find the spirit that will illuminate our century" and bring to life a new body politic.

Rosa Naparstek

About one of her first works, she writes:

"...this is a juxtaposition of the chlid's world and the totalitarian adult world...the text is below the image and fairly self explanatory. What is interesting to me is that this was one of my earliest pieces...and i still think one of my best..."

The Order Of Things 1995

(Mixed Media 39" x 21" x 13")

THE ORDER OF THINGS

(Text written on chair)

In this, My World,

I say who comes and goes,

who crosses where, who stays.

I am the Ruler, you...the ruled, no point between us fathomable.

Tithes allegiance duty, I’ll have my way, you do not count

except to make me real.

(Text written on base)

Gossamer whispers angel’s hair

kisses and caring take you there,

there to a land where many are one

singing and dancing under the sun,

bringing together all parts that are true

coming from me and coming from you.

In a letter written in March 2010 she explains further her way of working:

"I do multi-disciplinary (construction/installation) exploring the 'ordering of things,' how we attach meaning to random juxtapositions of objects, and the 'order of things,' looking at the emotional roots of the world we create personally and politically. I am interested in the connection between art (the aesthetic experience) and its power for personal / political transformation. I present my work in conjunction with Town Hall Circles of Engagement to allow participants to explore their own feelings and deepen connections with each other. I consider mzself an activist, although not in the usual sense of the term.

I also write nursery rhymes that are incorporated into some of my pieces exploring the childhood images that shape us."

New York, March 2010

And in 2012 she had an exhibition at the Brecht Forum in New York out of which resulted a video with the title 'occupy the self': http://youtu.be/r3irX1CbI-o

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Rosa Naparstek