the names project
The Names Project began as a meditative practice and an advocacy gesture in January 2017. Ria would doodle for peace, her own and the world’s, while hand-lettering the names of children lost to gun violence and posting to Instagram with the hopes of giving pause to those who read them. So many of these names are buried in sketchbooks and some lost on post-it’s and other loose pieces of paper. This was a social media campaign. The project evolved over the course of 2017 and Ria learned a lot about herself, gun violence, and the incredible ways social media allows for friendships and networks to blossom. By November 29, 2017, there were 201 children ages 0-11 who died from gun incidents so far that year when Ria printed and strung together the Instagram photos in seven banners to be displayed at the annual Newton Action Alliance vigil in DC. Ria is honored by friendships and partnerships with organizations like Newtown Action Alliance, who are making a difference addressing the gun violence epidemic that afflicts our society. This page displays many of the pieces posted through 2017-2018 as a part of this project. Ria maintains meditative practices and advocacy work in pursuit of a world free of gun violence.
Rest In Peace, children.
