At first glance “Unknown” looked like a typical art show. White walls were set up outside decorated with paintings and photographs. A screen in front of Elkins played a video loop of dazzling underwater footage. Free food served as a beacon for those on their way to the cafeteria.
The event which took place last Friday night was filled with dazzling displays of art from 20 talented Pepperdine students. Lights filled Joslyn Plaza which was made over to look like an outdoor art gallery and the infectious beat of techno music was carefully mixed by a DJ mixed an infectious beat of techno music which further created an artistic ambience. Finally a coffee truck provided free specialty drinks to those willing to wait in line.
However if you looked around you would have eventually noticed that this art show was different from all the others. Several of the artists walked around in bikinis or gym shorts covered in body paint. Their bodies emblazoned with barcodes handprints and the words “for sale served as living works of art for a higher cause — the fight against human trafficking. The painted artists walked around much of the night; then, around 8 p.m., they gathered to let out a scream for those victims of human trafficking who can only scream silently. After screaming, the artists — both painted and non-painted — read poetry and even sang.
Set up to the side of Joslyn Plaza, a table with information about Project Exodus” served as the conduit that connected reaction to art with action in the community. A Christian organization of modern-day abolitionists “Project Exodus” makes it possible for the average person to join the battle against human trafficking by joining activities such as observing rumored trafficking sites reporting these sites to authorities and gathering tips as to where trafficking sites are located in the community.
Thus “Unknown” was not simply an art show. It was an event where passion for the arts and human rights intermingled and combined to present an opportunity for involvement. This show served to give a voice to those who cannot speak up and a face to those who are unknown.
Accordig to freshman M.A. Alford “The art show came together in a spontaneous yet cohesive way. Each artist and cause all seemed to come together to support one message the power of the unknown and giving a voice to those who have never been given a chance.”