Bolivia has been considered a society that preserves its traditions and culture. However, a large community of young Bolivians has created its own culture, which contrasts with traditional Bolivian society.
They based it on kawaii culture (which means “cute” or “adorable” in Japanese), which emerged as a youth protest movement in Japan during the 1970s. The concept was to go against established patterns within fashion and society in general.
In Bolivia, their ideology seeks to break the uniformity imposed by society. The characters are not mere copies of manga or cosplay; followers create characters with distinct identities. In many cases, followers make their outfits using aguayos (traditional Bolivian textiles); from this mix of fabrics and styles, a new identity is born.
Young Bolivians are building their reality with a more global vision of the world and are free to adopt other identities.
I believe we are living in a moment where we can be part of a culture and, at the same time, be free individuals who construct their own identities.
Artist Bios
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Wara Vargas Lara
Wara Vargas Lara is a Bolivian photojournalist whose work focuses on strengthening the cultural identity of her country’s Indigenous peoples and highlighting the ancestral knowledge of women. Her projects support the struggles of Indigenous communities affected by extractivism while exploring contemporary Bolivian identities.
Since 2006, Wara’s work has been recognized and exhibited in countries such as Germany, the United States, Colombia, Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico, Italy, and Spain. She is a member of Women Photograph, Fotoféminas, and Fairpicture.
In 2019, Wara received the National Geographic scholarship and has since been part of the community of Latino explorers.
Organizations
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Photoville
Founded in 2011 in Brooklyn, NY, Photoville was built on the principles of addressing cultural equity and inclusion, which we are always striving for, by ensuring that the artists we exhibit are diverse in gender, class, and race.
In pursuit of its mission, Photoville produces an annual, city-wide open air photography festival in New York City, a wide range of free educational community initiatives, and a nationwide program of public art exhibitions.
By activating public spaces, amplifying visual storytellers, and creating unique and highly innovative exhibition and programming environments, we join the cause of nurturing a new lens of representation.
Through creative partnerships with festivals, city agencies, and other nonprofit organizations, Photoville offers visual storytellers, educators, and students financial support, mentorship, and promotional & production resources, on a range of exhibition opportunities.
For more information about Photoville visit, www.photoville.com
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NYC Parks
NYC Parks is the steward of more than 30,000 acres of land — 14 percent of New York City — including more than 5,000 individual properties ranging from Coney Island Beach and Central Park to community gardens and Greenstreets. We operate more than 800 athletic fields and nearly 1,000 playgrounds, 1,800 basketball courts, 550 tennis courts, 65 public pools, 51 recreational facilities, 15 nature centers, 14 golf courses, and 14 miles of beaches. We care for 1,200 monuments and 23 historic house museums. We look after 600,000 street trees, and two million more in parks. We are New York City’s principal providers of recreational and athletic facilities and programs. We are home to free concerts, world-class sports events, and cultural festivals.
Identity
Featuring: Wara Vargas Lara
Locations
View Location Details Travers Park76-9 34th Ave, off 77th St
Number 84 on the official photoville map Click to download this year's map- Monday 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
- Tuesday 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
- Wednesday 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
- Thursday 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
- Friday 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
- Saturday 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
- Sunday 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
The views and opinions expressed in this exhibit are those of the exhibition artists and partners and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Photoville or any other participants and partners of the Photoville Festival.
