For Immediate Release
Contact: Peter Svarzbein
Email: pgsvarzbein@gmail.com
Phone: 413.512.0268
www.elpasotransnationaltrolley.tumblr.com
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/eptrolley/the-el-paso-transnational-trolley-project
www.mongovision.com
The El Paso Transnational Trolley Project
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EL PASO, TX—(November 8, 2010) If you've come across the mysterious black and white poster images of the trolley driver with a hat dotting various parts of downtown El Paso, then you've probably seen the work of visual artist Peter Svarzbein! The poster series titled “The El Paso Transnational Trolley Project” is a visual art campaign for a make believe transit system aimed at raising awareness of what one vision of the future could be, says Svarzbein, if commuters from El Paso and Juarez felt safe again commuting to and from both cities via a transnational trolley system. With slogans like “Here to Make The Border Safe Again” and “Let Us Take You Home On Either Side of The Border,” the objective of the project is to evoke curiosity, and stir hope for some normalcy in the border region from the surge of violence and uncertainty that has plagued El Paso’s sister-city, Juarez.
“Although I have lived in New York City for the last 6 years, I was born and raised in El Paso and have many fond memories of the area which raised me,” said Svarzbein. “My use of fictional constructions is the belief that more traditional projects exploring the border have become cliché and easy to dismiss. The viewer is likely to have become desensitized to scenes showing violence, sadness or fear to describe the border area. My project is not about the realism of actually building a trolley right now between two cities. My project is about the realism and importance in imagining, where real power comes from perceived power. The El Paso Transnational Trolley is a metaphor for a positive and hopeful future between the two cities, united.”
The uniquely-compelling art series is the first of its kind in El Paso and combines public art and performance art. “My ultimate goal is to encourage a positive attitude towards border-crossing past, present, and future. If it brings more awareness and want for a mass transit fixed-rail system in El Paso, and, hopefully Juarez then that's great.”
The artist will be at Sunland Park Mall to introduce the trolley conductor in a performance art event in front of the Greenery at Sears from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 27th. And, on Sunday, Nov 28th the artist will provide a media photo opportunity as he officially puts up his series posters across from 111 S. Mesa; 1-4 p.m.
Cool idea, I love imaginary stuff! One idea I had was to build a train to link the El Paso Airport and the Ciudad Juarez Airport to allow passengers to go through security and all that in their home country and then have access to the other airport. Then people like me wouldn't have to go through PHX/DFWor IAH to get to Mexico City, I can go non-stop and our neighbors across the river could do the same thing for visiting american cities.
ReplyDeletehey lisa! Thanks for the shout-out... If any of your viewers want to help with helping to fund the poster project they can donate 1 dollar or a thousand at
ReplyDeletehttp://www.kickstarter.com/projects/eptrolley/the-el-paso-transnational-trolley-project
Looking forward to Monday!
Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteagreed. looking forward to tuning in (and donating)!
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