Resilience vs Vulnerability – Art and Cultural Studies Laboratory

Artist Talk by Buli Flash (UK)

Organized by ACSL and PINK (Public Information and Need for Knowledge) Armenia

Yerevan, Armenia
July 5, 2017

Buli Flash is a British artist with Turkish roots currently doing a Fine Arts and Design degree in Bristol, UK. His work is influenced by his own biography and experiences of life both in Turkey and Europe. By using commonplace materials and items as well as photography Buli Flash tries to give form and platform to collective experiences (vulnerability, pain, loss, trauma, discrimination) of the minority/marginalized communities. When faced with discrimination on daily basis, the impact on the individual(s) or the collective group can create deeply rooted psychological and even physiological scarring. By way of artistic explorations and research the artist tries to come to an understanding and create a space for healing at the same time.

During his one-month residential stay at the ‘Art Commune’ International AIR Program, Buli Flash explored daily activism of minority groups with regard to civil activism and resistant movement for human rights in Armenia.

The residency program gave him both important networking opportunities with local and international artists and a three-day workshop at the small ski resort town of Tsakhkadzor where the artists met local activist groups ranging from LGBTQ, women’s group, ethnic minorities, left-leaning organizations and artists.

B. Flash gave a public talk at PINK (Public Information and Need of Knowledge) Armenia. Starting from the very first day of its functioning, PINK Armenia has carried out activities to increase public awareness of sexual and reproductive health and rights, sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS. In the sphere of human rights protection, PINK Armenia promotes the ideas of equality and acceptance of vulnerable groups. The members of PINK Armenia want to bring into being acceptance and appreciation of diversity in the Armenian society through encouraging cultural sensitivity, acceptance and through eliminating any kind of discrimination.