Wearing a blue tutu and holding a glittery microphone, petite female Hispanic rapper Vreni Michelini spews passionate words that demand attention.
Michelini, a double major in painting and printmaking and craft material studies, rhymed about her beliefs in both Spanish and English Saturday night at the student art gallery in the University Student Commons. Song topics ranged from immigration rights to the important role children play in society.
Michelini mentioned how she noticed a girl laughing during the performance. Instead of caring about the negative attention, Michelini brushed it off.
“You know, everybody has their own opinion, and that’s fine. That doesn’t bother me,” Michelini said.
This specific performance was bare compared to others, as Michelini did not incorporate drums like she normally does.
“For me, it’s something I’m doing in a very pure way,” Michelini said. “I’m putting myself in a very vulnerable position.”
The most important thing for Michelini is that her rapping inspires listeners to think.
“I’m just trying to feed people with conscious thoughts,” Michelini said. “Maybe I can spark some sort of ideas in their brains and bring enlightenment.”
One of the major themes of the night was immigration rights. Michelini – who immigrated to the United States from Mexico when she was 12 – hopes to change some of the problems illegal immigrants face.
Besides rapping about her thoughts on immigration, Michelini is also a member of People United, a group that works to stop the oppression of minorities and Virginia’s Immigrant People’s Coalition.
Michelini says she must speak up for illegal immigrants since they are not part of the government and cannot speak up for themselves.
“I had that benefit of coming here with a visa,” Michelini said. “So many people don’t have that opportunity. They try to do it the right way but they’re denied it.”
Michelini also draws musical inspiration from having lived in Mexico City, Albany, Ga., Harrisonburg and Richmond. Michelini believes traveling has not only helped her understand the world better, but herself as well.
“If you’re stuck in one place, you think that’s it,” Michelini said. “You think of the world as just that little part.”
When she graduates from VCU, Michelini would like to earn a master’s degree and a Ph.D., and eventually become an art teacher.
“I want to teach, and just as far-fetched, maybe build a school,” Michelini said.
Ashleigh Carter came to see Michelini perform because she enjoys her “fresh spirit.”
“When she raps in English it seems very revolutionary.” Carter said.
Andy Parkinson, a mass communications major, was walking past the Commons’ student art gallery when he stopped because he heard Michelini performing.
“There’s lots of passion, especially the Spanish parts,” Parkinson said.
Michelini’s next show is Nov. 15 at 1825 Claiborne St., were she will collaborate with a group new she started-the Pacha Mamas. The group is a collaboration of women working in different mediums ranging from film, photography and textiles.
“People forget that sexism is still around,” Michelini said. “They look at me; I’m a tiny little woman and they think I have no force to bring, so I’m hitting them with full force.”
Each week, the Spectrum Section selects a talented student from the School of the Arts (music, dance, theater and visual) and showcases his or her achievements both in and around the VCU community. Do you want your name and work in the CT? E-mail spectrum@commonwealthtimes.com for consideration.