UCLA, Los Angeles

By: Indie Talent Magazine Contributing Writer Erika L. Chan

“REVO thrives on the idea that ONE person is all it takes to trigger a domino effect of positive change.” In 15 states and five countries, REVO is bringing together young locals and artists to help raise awareness of global and local social injustices. On Sunday, October 4, REVO LA transformed UCLA Ackerman Grand Ballroom into a Red Carpet art exhibition. With the passion and help of many accomplished fine artists, designers, filmmakers and photographers, all the proceeds and the sales of original artwork and merchandise went towards the development of Sekolah Dasar Balem Wamena, a model school for children in West Papua, Indonesia. The event heightened awareness of the corrupted education system and lack of child abuse laws in the country. Entering the exhibition hall, a large installation of two contrasting classrooms presented a visual metaphor of the broken West Papua school system and the pain that children face there. On display were paintings by Joshua Clay (low brow illustrator, working with magazines and bands like Linkin Park, Nine and Inch Nails), Aaron Kraten, (Orange County Museum of Art exhibiting contemporary artist), Shepard Fairey of OBEY, Audrey Kawasaki, Allison Torneros, Kelli Murray, Travis Bailey, Jeff Felker, Sean Woolsey and Ekundayo just to name a few. Many photographers showcased their brilliant work: Jorge Peniche, Christian Rios, Jeremy Cowart, Trey Ratcliff, and Nina Brav. Walter Robot, Video Director for Death Cab for Cutie and Gnarls Barkley, even contributed with his handy-work into REVO LA’s promotional pieces. The hum of tattoo artists at work, silk-screeners making REVO t-shirts, chatting people waiting in line for the photo booth and Djs mixing Does it Offend You, Yeah? and Felix the Housecat all created the REVO atmosphere. Books, ipod skins, and posters were also sold to benefit the Sekolah Dasar Balem Wamena cause.Local San Gabriel Valley photographer, Jorge Peniche, expressed his honor to be part of REVO LA and his personal connection, “I see my nephews (age three and four) and see the same situation happening, not enough resources happening in another part of the world. I understand the struggle.” In 2006, Peniche took off in the fast lane of the hip-hop scene, shooting photos for the Game and other established figures in some of the most gang-notorious parts, to the luxurious estates in the Los Angeles hills. Experimental artist, Erika “IRI5” Simmons, traveled from Georgia to be at REVO LA. Several pieces from her “Ghost in the Machine” series, featuring pop images created in cassette tape film were included in her collection. “I try to compile what is considered useless junk around the house and setting things near canvases until something comes to me,” said Simmons. Kanye West has even acknowledged her work.REVO was founded by Hawaiian-born Photographer Nina Brav. Starting the revolution in Hilo and Oahu, branches spread to New York, Nashville, Pennsylvania, Baton Rouge, and even Guam, making an impact in just two years. Through friends and grassroots, over one-hundred-thousand dollars have been raised for established non-profit organizations like Sekolah Dasar Balem Wamena, Blood water mission, not for sale campaign and more. Actress Sarah Toshiko Hamler, RevoLA’s PR Rep. explains, “Revo is for young people that want to get involved with a charity while emphasizing on art. If you want to start a Revo in your own city, anyone can start a Revo!”Nina Brav connected with her good friend Jon Hans, a Hollywood youth music teacher who was born and raised in West Papua. Nina met Jon’s mother, the founder of this new school system, and REVO LA embraced the cause. Teachers there are paid a salary regardless of their teaching ethics and it is common for the students to fall victim to abuse in exchange for passing grades. “I live so far being in LA, so I feel I live in two different worlds. REVO has brought those two worlds together. It’s been awesome to see so many great people and friends who are DJ’s and artists in LA come together and help the kids that I grew up with, helping home (those I never thought to be connected).”With the help of REVO LA’s volunteers and artists, Sekolah Dasar Balem Wamena children in West Papua will be provided with better learning materials, promote a safer environment, as well as help them grow into a K-12 school system. REVO’s start with us. You are all part of a revolution. Everyone can make a difference. Check out REVO LA at: www.revola.org and www.startarevo.org to start one of your own in your local neighborhood!