The Story of the Disappeared

How are we to account for the violence of a human disappearance, and what does the violence of a political disappearance tell us about both the organisation of power within an individual regime, and the fears we internalise as citizens? A discussion between Professor Brad Evans, and Mexican abstract painter Chantal Meza, takes the notion of the ‘disappeared’ and engages the audience in an open conversation on what might by many be considered one of the more pernicious forms of violence.

Brad Evans is a political philosopher, critical theorist, and writer who specialises in the problem of violence. He is author of over twenty books and edited volumes, including most recently Ecce Humanitas: Beholding the Pain of Humanity (Columbia University Press, 2020). Forthcoming books include State of Disappearance (with Chantal Meza, McGill Queens University Press: 2023) and How Black Was My Valley (Repeater/Penguin Random House: 2024).

Chantal Meza is a self-taught abstract painter living and working in the United Kingdom. Her work has featured in exhibitions, auctions and biennials in prominent museums and galleries in Mexico, Paraguay and the United Kingdom. Recently, her solo show State of Disappearance has been supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

To read more about the State of Disappearance exhibition, taking place at Centrespace Bristol in October and November, see our News item here.