Art school without borders

It was one of those rainy mornings when classes and work were being suspended by the hour and river water levels were being monitored with extreme caution. For kids outside the school system, however, none of this made a difference, and so street artist Kaid Ashton and his mobile Homeschool ventured on, defying flood and traffic to reach the unreached. The day’s lesson, Homeschool’s 23rd class since the program started in January, was T-shirt painting, or “Draw Your Dreams,” and the students were children from the Aurora Boulevard tenements. Maybe it was the weather, but the conditions there seemed especially abysmal, and the volunteers have been to some depressing places where humans shouldn’t be making homes, but do so out of necessity — from garbage dumps to cemeteries to highway underpasses. “The tenements were so hardcore, we could not have the class there, so we went to the neighborhood daycare instead,” says Clara Balaguer, whose cultural start-up, The Office of Culture and Design (OCD), has been supporting Kaid from the start. The next hour was spent with the kids, decorating shirts with statements of what they want to be when they grow up.

CNN.com featured Kaid’s recent “People in Poverty” series, wherein he wheat-pastes images of faces he’s photographed around Asia’s slums, semi-illegally posting them in often incongruous locations like walls of restaurants or next to luxury advertising in the commerce-driven heart of Hong Kong. A caption in English and Chinese is pasted beside the image, telling the subject’s story and bridging the divide between culture and class. The Canadian artist and photographer started out taking snaps of graffiti and train yards in the ‘90s but shifted his focus to people once he moved to a different country and kept on traveling. Because he experienced the generosity of Filipinos who don’t have much to begin with, Kaid decided to give back to the communities that have been integral to his photographic projects by giving visual art workshops to their children, always reminding them to “dream big.” We caught up with Kaid by e-mail right before he left for another one of his recon missions, this time in Beijing.

YSTYLE: What drew you to start documenting slum areas around the world?

KAID ASHTON: I felt that there really weren’t that many people venturing into these areas and I thought that many of these environments that people call their homes would be interesting to document for others to see. Especially in Manila, it’s like the general population has just forgotten about the residents of the slums. From what I observed, the mindset of “out of sight, out of mind” was a fairly accurate description of how many people thought of the situation. If my photographs can somehow give the people living in the garbage dumps, cemeteries or whatever type of slum that I have come across a voice to draw people’s attention to the conditions they must endure on an everyday basis, then I believe what I am doing is worthwhile.

Because your art is tied to your community work, do you feel like what you’re doing is more than just art?

I do think it is more that just art, but art is the main tool I use to gain access to these locations, to leave my mark on these places is also what I try and teach and use to inspire the future generation. It is more than just art, but art is by far the most powerful and influential tool that I have in my repertoire, something that can be used to motivate others and bring these issues to the forefront for the general population to observe.

How are the Manila slums different from those in other countries? How are they similar?

The first similarity that I observed was how the general population has basically forgotten about people who live in poverty. They seem quite content with letting the people who need help live segregated from the general population. If they remain under bridges, along highways, railroad tracks and rivers, most people are content with their lives and just go about their daily routines. As long as people don’t venture out of their comfort zone they can’t really understand how dire some of situations are for people living in the slums.

As far as differences, like the majority of the Filipino population, the people of the slums have been some of the warmest, most friendly people I have met in any of the locations that I have traveled. They may not have many material possessions or even enough money for the next meal, but they will be the first to offer up some form of hospitality, whether that be a plate of torta talong or a warm smile, they are very welcoming and friendly.

There’s a danger involved in graffiti-ing/postering/tagging public property, and there’s another kind of danger when it comes to exploring poverty areas. How do you prepare yourself for these potentially hairy situations, particularly as a foreigner?

I find the most useful approach is to be outgoing and make a quick connection with the person or group that I am approaching. I try and make people comfortable around me by first making a joke in their language, a warm greeting or anything to make that first impression a positive one. I realize that some of these areas are extremely dangerous, but it helps being naive about some situations to not fully reveal any of the hesitation or nervous emotions that may be floating around. 

What is your vision for the Homeschool project? Do you intend to replicate this in other places?

Yes, this is something that I definitely want to do on an international level. I have big plans and low funds, but that won’t deter me. With encouragement and a long list of people who helped I was able to accomplish my goal of 20 classes throughout Manila and have taught 23 to this day. The Office of Culture and Design has been on board from day one in Manila and have been instrumental in making this project a success. The OCD along with a long list of volunteers and donations from generous people have made such a huge goal a reality. It really has been a team effort and that has to continue if the same success is to be replicated on an international level.   

Were there any unexpected responses or reactions from the kids to the art classes?

I guess the biggest surprise was from me and how overwhelmingly positive the reactions were from parents and students. Many parents commented that they never knew their child had this talent and how creative they could be. That was one of the initial goals, just let the children create their artworks and in turn give themselves as well as others the chance to realize the potential that they have. Hopefully, this discovery or reminder of the talent that they possess will lead to improved self-confidence, self-esteem, an outlet to channel their emotions and an opportunity to continue expanding their creativity. 

You’ve probably seen more to Manila’s underbelly than most foreigners or even locals. What can you say you’ve discovered is true about Filipinos?

It’s funny because many of the Filipinos shook their heads in disbelief when I told them I went to Maharlika or Tondo. But in all of those off-the-beaten locations, I have found that Filipinos are among the most friendly and kind-hearted people in the world. They are quick to laugh and joke around while making you feel comfortable and welcome.

Did becoming an artist keep you out of trouble or get you into more trouble?

I really didn’t use art or delve into my artistic abilities when I was growing up. I used sports, but that dream quickly faded and art took its place. While I was growing up unsusceptible to trouble that could deter my dreams and aspirations, I was fortunate to have a lot of positive friends who always had my back, inspired me and looked out for my best interests. Art has definitely allowed me to escape some challenging situations and in turn help me to explore the world and grow as a person. I am very fortunate to be on this journey and hope that others will realize that they are capable of great things if they put their mind to something and not let challenges and obstacles deter them from making a positive impact on other people’s lives.

Do you have advice for young artists who are also interested in doing work with a “social conscience” rather than more profitable forms of art?

For young artists, it’s a long road ahead. I have been taking photos for what seems like forever and only now am I beginning to draw attention from people who are not friends and family. As for doing social conscience work, there are many serious issues in the world, many can be found on the streets of Manila. If art can somehow draw attention or shine a light on some of these issues, I think that it is more gratifying than doing it strictly for money. Having said that though, everyone needs to eat and if you are able to make money along the way, inspire others and do something you love, then all the power to you. 

* * *

To support Homeschool, check out homeschoolproject.wordpress.com.