Diego Bernaschina: dealing with women's discrimination through fantasy
It's impressive how a single story can inspire such diversity through different mediums! Visual artists from around the world are taking part in WHISTLE project, in an attempt to present a multi-sensory experience never attempted before in the Greek visual art scene. And that's because we do not think of visual art as an experience that when viewed fades away, but as an excuse, a triggering event, a reason to produce an artistic conversation and a literal dialogue with everyone interested. This is the way we feel visual art should work.
In this short article we meet visual artist, Diego Bernaschina, from the Chile. Diego's work presented a different twist to the story of Whistle. Interpreting the idea of "superstition" in a more realistic way, he talks about prejudices and discrimination against women (Whistle protagonist is a woman!). Issues like misogynism and social isolation of women, in modern society are manifested in his "visual poem" as he calls his work!
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Why did you decide to participate in Whistle Project?
I was surfing the Internet and by chance, I found about WHISTLE project through the open call. I decided to participate out of curiosity around the project's theme. Then I watched Whistle's teaser clip and I decided to work on the subject.
What was your workflow?
It was difficult for me, at least in the beginning. Since childhood, I deal with a hearing problem and this didn't help me have a full understanding of the story (the teaser contained audio I could not hear). But through communication with the people of Whistle (emails, texts) I was able to have a better understanding. I came up with the idea of a "visual poem". A work that combines manipulated photos and words (text). It is a three part creative piece that gives Whistle's original story a twist, talking about superstition in the form of discrimination against women.
What was your artistic style, any influences?
The work is focused on several disciplines. Digital, graphic and media art in combination with a poem.
Do you believe in superstitions?
I really couldn't say. In my case it is very different from other people. I cannot hear sound (because of my hearing problem). Thus the "whistling" wouldn't have any effect on me. On the other hand, the fear of the night (nictophobia) creates a chilling effect that hits my body from head to tow. A different kind of sensation compared to sound. If I had to answer with one word, I would say no.
What do you want people to see in your works?
I would like viewers who see my visual poem, to learn more about the increase in violence against women in today's world. For that, viewers will have to dive into their psyche, in order to be able to see these ideas and images.
Why go to an exhibition like this?
The importance lies in getting closer to visual art, in all its forms. Learn about vulnerability and fear. It is a powerful message Whistle Project echoes. One that will provoke people to think about and maybe deal with their own fears or bad experiences.
Special thanks to Ximena Quiroz Peters (Chilean filmmaker) for her collaboration in this interview.
The art samples presented in each interview, belong to each artist's personal pre-existing portfolio and not represent submitted work, to WHISTLE project. The later, will be presented to the public during the official exhibition.
Diego Bernaschina is a visual artist from Chile. He holds a Bachelor of Arts, Design and Education. He also teaches Art and Design at the INACAP Technological University of Chile. In 2010 he received the FONDART Scholarship, awarded by the Ministry of Culture, Government of Chile, to hold a Diploma in Digital Graphics by the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (UC). Since 2003 he has participated in several solo and group exhibitions, festivals and biennales in Chile and abroad (Slovenia, Romania, Italy, UK, Cuba, Spain, Portugal, USA, Greece, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina and others). In 2015, he participated with his videoart "Silent Conversation" in the Juan Downey International Competition at the 12th Biennale of Media Arts at the National Museum of Fine Arts of Chile. In 2017, he traveled to Cuba with his selected video-installation "Observing in the double look" at the 7th International Videoart Festival of Camagüey. He works and lives at Santiago.