The Bata Project: Urban | Isla Folklore
Bi-weekly Tuesday, March 19 - Tuesday, May 28, 2024
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC WITH RSVP
Tuesday March 19, 6:30-8:30 PM
Tuesday April 2, 6:30-8:30 PM
Tuesday April 16, 6:30-8:30 PM
Tuesday April 30, 6:30-8:30 PM
Tuesday May 14, 6:30-8:30 PM
Tuesday May 28, 6:30-8:30 PM
Created by Leenda Bonilla
Music by DJ Pagan Sounds
Facilitators
Elena Martinez
Leenda Bonilla
Peggy Robles-Alvarado
Carlos W. Encarnacion
Rokafella
Rhina Valentin
Offering an enhanced public recognition of the Caribbean Diaspora, The Bata Project explores the tradition of house dresses worn in the Caribbean, mainly by women at “home” through community engagements incorporating aesthetics that honors folklore in the urban landscape. By infusing a contemporary lens into intimate memories via community exchange, this project offers a generative hybridity, intergenerational connections, merging of contemporary and fashion history with urban folklore, bringing oral histories, visual art and performance into the public commons.
I invite peers and community members of all ages, genders to participate and wear their batas to join in the interdisciplinary discourse of this project via visual art, storytelling, music, and sharing of folklore. Gatherings occur through a series of public events which highlight this house dress and creates interconnections with fashion and fusion of the isla/urban communities. With multiple creative access points, this project offers agency to multiple community members and artists as well as the general public.
In this process of togetherness and community building, the focus is on the energy of the group that gathers, and the group grows organically through word of mouth as previous participants invite their friends and family members to join them at the next public gathering. This togetherness supports invitations to the public to join in the conversation and share stories.
As The Bata Project unfolds, we will witness how this dress - worn outside in the public eye - subverts social expectations and celebrates the power of home and stories connected with home, care, the body, and history as something you bring with you everywhere.
These gatherings include photo sessions and video documentation of public sharings.
Session 1: Lace Bobbin History with Elena Martinez
Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 6:30-8:30 PM
RSVP via Eventbrite
Il-LOOM-INATION
Unravel the intricate beauty of mundillo, Puerto Rico's storied art of bobbin-lace, as we delve into its rich cultural heritage and artistry. Witness the craftsmanship firsthand, exploring the loom, materials, and traditional patterns that have bewitched generations. Then, tap into your creativity with a hands-on workshop, crafting charming mundillo designs from paper cutouts. Let the rhythms of DJ Pagan Sounds' music weave a spell as you immerse yourself in this cultural journey. Plus, discover the fascinating connections between mundillo and The Bata Project, as you share stories and create your own mundillo-inspired paper cutouts, all amidst an atmosphere of interactive exploration and artistic joy of this folk tradition.
Session 2: Collage with Leenda Bonilla
Tuesday, April 2, 2024, 6:30-8:30 PM
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Bata's Collage Blueprint: Building an Urban Island Cultural Legacy
Join Leenda Bonilla, conceptual artist and creator of The Bata Project, for an immersive workshop exploring the rich history and cultural significance of the bata 'house dress' collection. Discover how this humble garment has evolved into a contemporary urban folklore, transcending ethnic boundaries and uniting city dwellers. Through guided collage-making and multimedia storytelling, Leenda will help you craft your own bata narrative, set to the rhythm of music and surrounded by vibrant images of people celebrating this iconic dress. Uncover the universality of the bata and its connection to collage, and leave with a newfound appreciation for the power of fashion to bring people together.
Session 3: Poetry & Bata with Peggy Robles-Alvarado
Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 6:30-8:30 PM
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Memory of Matriarchs and Mamazotas
Through oral storytelling and poetic prompts, award-winning poet Peggy Robles-Alvarado will invite participants to share their memories of the important women in their lives both past and present. All participants will be encouraged to share their anecdotes, sketches, or impromptu poems as part of a culminating open mic and community-made poetic paper bata or housecoat to celebrate these CEO’s of the household.
Session 4: Printmaking with Carlos W. Encarnacion
Tuesday, April 30, 2024, 6:30-8:30 PM
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Bata's Printed Pulse: Unlocking the Urban Island Vibes
Discover the intricate beauty of Bata patterns through the art of printmaking! In this workshop, you'll learn the techniques of creating traditional Bata designs using printmaking methods. Explore the rich cultural heritage of Bata art and create your own unique prints inspired by its intricate patterns. Take home your own handmade prints and gain a new appreciation for the art of printmaking and Bata's timeless designs. Bring your own bata or house dress to wear during this workshop and meet other bata aficionados.
Session 5: Dance with Rokafella
Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 6:30-8:30 PM
(Please note: this session will start promptly at 6:30 PM)
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Rhythm & Roots: A Fusion of Folklore and Funk
Get ready to groove with Rokafella as she unveils the fascinating links between island folklore and NYC Hip hop dance events! Immerse yourself in an hour of exploration, complete with mesmerizing images and music that will get you moving. Try out some sizzling Salsa and Hip hop moves, and get ready to strut your stuff in style. Meanwhile, Leenda will showcase the stunning Batas, inviting you to try them on and snap unforgettable photos (don't worry, she'll provide them if you don't bring your own!). As she shares the captivating stories behind this modern folkloric garb, you'll be encouraged to share your own tales, creating a rich tapestry of cultural connection and community. Don't miss this unforgettable experience!
Session 6: Culminating Event with Rhina Valentin
Tuesday, May 28, 2024, 6:30-8:30 PM
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Matriarchal Reconnecting - Release & Rejoice Guided by Rhina Valentin
Join us for the final gathering of The Bata Project, where creative Rhina Valentin will guide a special session of introspection and meditation, followed by a heartwarming love letter writing activity. Come prepared with a photo or meaningful item related to a matriarchal figure you wish to honor. Let's celebrate the impact of strong women in our lives and pay tribute to our Bata-wearing matriarchal influencers from various backgrounds. Don't miss this empowering and inspiring event!