Ongoing protests in Venezuela have found expression in street art, with images by a group of artists in downtown Caracas depicting near-daily, and often violent demonstrations.
Organizers say the point of the new exhibition is to show a creative- but peaceful- dimension to Venezuela's civil unrest.
Our Latin American correspondent Juan Carlos Lamas has more from Caracas.
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NAT SOT/NARRATION:
It's called 'Manifiesta Street' --- a public display in downtown Caracas, where Venezuelans can freely express their opposition to the government through art.
Maythe Arrieta is the exhibition director.
SOT1: Maythe Arrieta, Director of ManifiestaStreet exhibition, (In Spanish with English Overdub):
"Nonviolent and artistic protests like this one help us to integrate more people and through art the millions of voices of those who want a change will be heard for a longer period of time. "
NARRATION:
The artists behind this project say this gives them an opportunity to protest against what they say is a dictatorial government, without fear of reprisal from security forces armed with rubber bullets and water cannon.
Angel Zambrano is a sculptor whose work is featured in Manifiesta Street.
SOT2: Angel Zambrano, sculptor, (in Spanish—with English Overdub):
"It's here where we can share our ideas, and let the people know they are not alone, that their fight will be honoured and remembered. Our democracy is important, that's why we've been protesting for more than 90 days"
NARRATION:
More than 45 artists are taking part in this exhibition of photographs sculptures, music and performance art, featuring artistic statements on more than three months of clashes between the security forces and opposition demonstrators.
Gonzalo Martinez says seeing the exhibition has reinforced his commitment to the Venezuelan opposition.
SOT3.Gonzalo Martínez, visitor, (Male Spanish—with English Overdub):
"This shows in an artistic way what our reality is. It's very interesting to see how artists through their work let us know why we need to continue fighting to overcome this harsh reality."
NATSUP /NARRATION:
That reality includes the worlds' highest rate of inflation, crippling shortages of food and medicine, and record crime rates.
The Opposition blames Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro--- who says their protests are fueling Venezuelans with hate, and generating chaos.
Opposition protesters have taken to the streets nearly every day for 3 months now….and along with the Manifiesta Street artists documenting the protests, they say they have no plans to give up.
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