6 art practices in 6 relational contexts
Multiplicities and Mutualites looks at how the practice of art-making can subvert modes of relating rooted in inequality by creating opportunities for people to explore their interdependencies and a type of unity through difference.
Because my “day job” is about community and systems change toward improvement of various social problems (relational violence, substance use disorder, behavioral and mental health problems), I chose to situate each of the 6 practices in a different relational context according to the socio-ecological model of change.
About the Model
The socio-ecological model is used in work on a variety of social problems from malaria prevention to substance use disorder from interpersonal violence to heart disease. The model acknowledges the role of personal responsibility, knowledge, and skills, but rightly situates the individual within the context of their interpersonal relationships, organizations, community, and society.
To put it another way, Native American wisdom says that if a tree is sick, it doesn’t make sense to isolate and treat the tree and place it back in the same sick forest. We must create a “healing forest”. Social problems aren’t simply individual problems and true change must examine the entire context.
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