Female Exuberance. Mujeres Muralistas for a Great Cause
“The Migrant Caravan felt too mythological to be true. The news was telling one story, yet I just could not visualize what thousands of people, of all ages, moving in a critical mass, cross countries, looking for a better life look like.” - Scarlett Baily
INTERVIEW WITH THE ARTIST SCARLETT BAILY
Artist SCARLETT BAILY
From the artist’s archives
LES COULEURS: At Les Couleurs, we believe in the transformative and universal power of art. Tell us your story.
SCARLETT BAILY: I was raised by my grandmother and I have the most beautiful childhood memories of us spending afternoons drawing together. With her perfect spanglish, she would pick me up from school, and walk us home where we would doodle together all afternoon. We would sketch out tiny figures of people, cutting them out to make scenes and tell stories. At the time I had no idea how impactful these creative afternoons were in the formation of my career and self. It is so important to imagine. I truly believe that a wild imagination is essential for progress and evolution. Creativity, however you manifest it, is essential. Being creative is empowering, and we all should have the right and a safe environment to access that practice.
LC: We are fascinated by your powerful Border Project with refugee children. How did you come up with the idea?
SB: The Migrant Caravan felt too mythological to be true. The news was telling one story, yet I just could not visualize what thousands of people, of all ages, moving in a critical mass, across countries, looking for a better life looks like. When the Caravan arrived in Mexico City my friend Hannah and I visited the refuge with clothing donations- which were gone in a flash. I had come from work and had my sketchbook and pens with me, and decided to offer portraits - totally unplanned! I never knew that what comes second nature to me, would bring so much joy, hope . . . and connection. Working toward world peace and social harmony feels like myths in themself. It's easy to feel defeated- when really, these tiny connections, bring the magic and remind us- we are all just human!
LC: Our mission at Les Couleurs is to inspire, educate and empower disadvantaged children through arts education. What advice would you give (very) young art students?
SB: Creativity is power! Creativity is fun! When I was young I put so much pressure on myself. I wanted everything to look "perfect." I had it all wrong there. I wish that I would have spilled more paint, ripped more paper, and colored out of the lines. Making art is such a safe space to break all of the rules! No great revolution has happened without breaking the rules. Alternative actions inspire change.
LC: Tell us what appeals to you most in the current Mexico City art scene.
SB: There is something so wonderfully collective about how artists work in Mexico City. It’s really exciting to be in a place where people aren't scared to take chances. I like to compare it to Cantina culture in the city . . . where there is room for everyone. One table suddenly grows to accommodate 20 new friends, sharing food and drinks together. I feel that translates into the art scene here. With this collective energy you feel like a real art movement is happening- and everyone is invited. It is experimental, it's weird, it's not always pretty, and people are more interested in tackling tough themes than maintaining commercial viability.
LC: What are you working on now?
SB: Since college, I have been very critical of female representation in the art world. I like to consider myself a student of the Guerrilla Girls. Their critical work inspires me to survey the diversity of group shows, art fairs, and mural festivals. We have a long way to go. Right now I am particularly concerned with female muralists. There are so many incredible female artists working large scale, yet, for some reason, we have a major lack of visibility. These are big projects, that are not getting handed to enough gals. To answer this dilemma, and hopefully awake a new consciousness in the powers that be, I am creating a series of portraits of female muralists working in Mexico- because we are many, and we are ready to be on the roster!
SCARLETT BAILY
From the artist’s archives
SCARLETT BAILY
From the artist’s archives
SCARLETT BAILY
From the artist’s archives
SCARLETT BAILY
From the artist’s archives
