Evanston Terrain Biennial // Sat. Oct 7th, 2017

Opening Reception this Sat:
Evanston Terrain Biennial
4-7PM Oct 7th
1217 Church St. Then walk the neighborhood to all the installations

The Structure of Memory

Description
Fallen branches are lashed together to create a structural environment dedicated to the widows of Iraq. The created space is for contemplation, remembering sacrifices made, representing the complexity and hollowness of life after conflict, but also for hope, rebuilding and peace.

These found sticks and driftwood were used by participants in drawing symbolic lines in the sand in memory of and solidarity with the millions of uncounted widows from decades of strife in the Middle East. Each branch is dated and signed by participants who marked half-a-million lines in the beaches of Chicago, Evanston and elsewhere over several years.

Lines in the Sand, Floating to Lesbos and Home music video.

3 new pieces in Schoenherr Gallery- North Central College Faculty Exhibit

Lines in the Sand

Reception this Friday, April 8th, 6-8PM

171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, IL 60540

You’re Invited!

Friday, April 8, 6-8pm

Join us for the Art Faculty
Exhibition Reception

Exhibit: April 1 – May 29, 2016

M-10-6, Tu-Fr 10-9, Sa 10-6, Su 10-5

This unique and dynamic display of art is a culmination of the artistic pursuits of North Central College’s faculty during the past two years. The collection of artwork includes paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photography, graphic design, video and mixed media.*
Exhibiting Artists:
Hale Eckinci, Tom Goodell, Ed Herbeck, Lydia Hwang,
Frank Jackowiak, Scott Kolbe, Michelle Ludwig, Kate Pszotka, Christine Rabenold, Barry Skurkis, and Kevin Valentine.

*Refreshments will be served

Home from Kevin Valentine on Vimeo.

Faculty show at North Central College

Friday, April 8th from 6-8 is the reception for the Faculty Show at North Central College in Naperville.  Come by to check out my two interactive pieces and one music video. IMG_1136 copy IMG_1135 copy

 

New song: Home

Lyrics to my newest song:

Home

Leave it all. Carry hope
Leave it all. Carry hope
Land and sea
Skies and me
Coming home

Sing again. Peaceful men
Sing again. Peace women
Land and sea
Skies and me
Coming home

Smile with your eyes
Grasp the sunrise
The day has come
We are one

We are one. On this earth
We are one. On this earth
Land and sea
Skies and me
Rebirth

Smile with your eyes
Grasp the sunrise
The day has come
Nahnu Wahidun

Leave it all. Carry hope
Leave it all. Carry hope
Land and sea
Skies and me
Coming home

Kevin Valentine  2016

Sort of a slow anthem in Bbm
Could mean a lot of things, but I was thinking of refugees in flight.

25th Anniversary of the Gulf War

This week marks the 25th anniversary of the Gulf War (sadly, we have to specify which one-the Desert Storm one, but the part where we started bombing to impel the retreat of Iraqi troops from Kuwait).  I am recapping some of my print, paint, performance, installation, etc. that directly addresses or was inspired by these events, and the years of intertwined history between the United States and Iraq since.   Check consciousv@twitter, birddenoftruth.com, or Kevin Valentine on Facebook for more posts.——-

Widows#5 Performance/Installation was one of my best media pieces of the series. Projection of up to five videos of me completing an earlier performance was layered on top of a live performance of Widowsweave on a chalkboard that I built on which 3 million intersections of line are drawn.
Video documentation on Vimeo:
https://vimeo.com/18804470

Widows5

Lines in the Sand participation

This Saturday, Feb. 28th, is the 5th anniversary of the Widows: Lines in the Sand endurance performance and the 24th anniversary of the end of the Gulf War. Everyone please peacefully draw a “line in the sand” to say enough is enough–whatever violent injustice that means to you. And post a picture or video of yourself drawing that line, however you interpret that. ‪#‎linesinthesand‬ ‪#‎consciousv‬ ‪#‎artistactivist‬

Sand

Lines in the Sand again!

Next week, February 28th, 2015, is the 5th anniversary of the Widows: Lines in the Sand – 43 days performance/endurance/community art commemorating Iraqi Widows, and the 24th anniversary of the end of the Gulf War. Artistactivist Kevin Valentine (consciousv) wants you all to post one picture or video in the upcoming year to say “enough” – enough war, enough heartbreak, enough violence. Draw your Line in the Sand. Post a picture or video of your line – whether it is literally in the sand, in your art, across your desk, or the dance floor. Starting February 28th, let’s see if we can get 3 million unique participants worldwide to say enough is enough. #linesinthesand #consciousv #artistactivist #birddenoftruth #kevinvalentine

Kevin Valentine/Artistactivist/Consciousv

Finishing the Marathon & 3 Million Meters in 30 Yards

Kevin Valentine finished his 3 Million Meters

challenge with 4 days to spare at the Illinois Marathon on May 26th. Lots of lessons learned. Winter can be harder than expected (and snowier and colder and icier). More to come after a rethink/reboot/rest and after midterm grades are done. Thanks to all for your support! It’s been a great challenging year.

Sprinting the lat 100yds after a long hot race.

Kevin on the 30yd line.

Less than 1 Month to Go

With less than on month to go, Kevin has reached 2,765,497 meters. Just over 145 miles to go by the end of April. I should make the goal of running, if not fundraising. And I’m getting ready to start a re-imagined 3 Million Meters as a community of endurance-minded people.

7 Weeks Left: 3 Million Meters

With 7 weeks left and just under 300 miles left, Kevin needs to average about 42 miles/week until the end of April and the Illinois Marathon in Champaign, IL.