The fight for equality is the struggle of this generation whether coming in the guise of free healthcare for all or marriage equality. Within this backdrop the minds behind the Manifest Hope exhibits that surrounded the Obama campaign have created Manifest Equality to shine some light on the important issue of marriage equality within the US. Converting a Big Lots into a massive urban interactive art installation in the heart of Hollywood was a major feat, and the resulting exhibit was indeed a manifestation of the hopes and dreams of those who have been denied the right to love openly by their own government.
It was hard to believe that a bargain basement chain store could be used to such positive effect. The massive space was transformed into living art; a true statement of where our culture needs to be. Pronouncements of love in every shape and size flooded the eye on entering. From simple photographs to elaborate mixed media pieces, each work emphasized diversity and its importance as the building blocks of our nation. Guests were encouraged to manifest their own truths by writing on a room’s length chalk board or taking photos with friends and significant others.
While a grab bag of music was provided by throwback soul outfit Fitz & the Tantrums and mixologist Vikter Duplaix, the night belonged to longtime activist Cleve Jones who moved Oscar winner Marisa Tomei to tears with his powerful words on the ability of art to connect people and change the world. While politics can often seem like a dead end for most of us, this exhibit truly reminds that creative expression is the real root of change.
See full gallery here.
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