what is art activitsm? - fatima flores

 art activism is what artists make to create noise, to show that creating art can create social change. it’s non-violent action, where art can be displayed anywhere and everywhere, artists can work within the community and be the change. 

an example of art activism is one i found in our textbook ‘the art of activism’ called the ‘undocubus’ created by favianna rodriguez, along with her group, culture strike. in 2012, a bus was purchased by illegal immigration activists, who then painted the words "no fear" on its side and embellished it with pictures of vibrant monarch butterflies. then, in order to express disapproval of local anti-immigration policies that had fostered a culture of fear and xenophobia, the "undocubus" was driven across the southern united states. they created their own emblem, however, in addition to appropriating and modifying the emblems of earlier social organizations. the monarch butterfly is a stunning animal that travels every year from canada to the u.s. to mexico and back. 

why artistic activism?

“Acknowledging that the political landscape is also a cultural landscape opens up new terrain to work upon. Whereas art tends to be limited to museums and galleries, and activism to street demonstrations and state houses, artistic activism is at home in town squares and shopping malls, on billboards or through social media…as well as galleries and state houses.”

    art activists create art for everyone to see, for the community to show the injustice that’s happening around the world; instead of having art shoved into an art gallery where it’d collect dust. artistic activism shows the community that they’re there for each other, through buildings  alleyways, libraries, etc. 

“Artistic activism creates an opportunity to bypass seemingly fixed political ideas and moral ideals and remap cognitive patterns.”

    art activists make art, to provoke feelings and inspire action. it’s where the opportunity comes in, creating art that’s ambiguous to politicians but understandable to activists. to show the community that art activism can become an inspiration to others. 

an introduction to activist art

“Some of Gustave Courbet’s Realist works are also examples of political art expressing social critique. Courbet was an important figure in the Realism movement. Completely unembellished, he depicted the life and harsh working conditions of the lower classes.”

    courbet’s art is one example art activism. he creates art for everyone to see, to show a statement, to understand that benefits of art activism. he wants to viewers to see how social issues can be impactful, not for activists to protest on, but for artists to see how courbet’s artwork can impact many activists for social change. 

“Activist art is a powerful tool with a long and varied history, that can call attention to the most pressing political and social issues.”

    activist art can be massive, thousands of people protesting, political art being on posters, marching for justice. art being displayed on posters, posting art at politicians’ homes, posting on social media, etc. art activism can benefit everyone, helping the community, telling them know that they’re not alone. displaying art that depicts social justice, is powerful. 

What is Art Activism? - Christopher Cruz

What is Art Activism?

Art Activism is a combination of the emotionality of art and the call to action of activism used in a strategic manner to bring awareness and cause an effect due to action. This is achieved by utilizing the emotional effect it has on people by focusing on a subject that matters and is impactful. When people see and read it and start to realize and think about, then that person is hooked which in turn causes a cascade of events to happen. For example in the text, “The 25 Most Influential Works of American Protest Art Since World War II The New York Times Style Magazine”, the protest art done by Faith Ringgold, specifically his “United States of Attica” (1971-72)” is powerfully in its execution and design. The colors are the first to stand out, the inspiration taken and referenced from Marcus Garvey’s Black Nationalist flag which stand as a symbol of black liberation. Ringgold furthers this call to action by having written all the atrocities and statistic against black individuals committed my the USA. This is important as it reveals the larger problem and injustice that has continued since the development of this country.

Quotes

Q1: “At first glance these aims seem at odds with one another. Activism moves the material world, while Art moves the heart, body and soul.”- C4AA

A1: I just love how interesting this union of art and activism intertwine together. They serve different purposes, but art activism becomes a middle ground where connecting with an audience causes an emotional response while promoting a call to action. This ends up gathering a ton of supporters due to not just the message of the artwork, but the subject of the art.

Q2: “This new terrain, neither overtly “arty” or “political” is more familiar and safer to an audience than a museum or a rally, and thus makes artistic activism more attractive, approachable, and friendly than traditional art or activist practices.”- C4AA

A2: I believe that's what makes art activism such a powerful force. Its approachable aspect makes it easier for supporters to join the fight for a common goal. This allows for a cause to get support to rally behind it faster than traditional political methods.

Q3: “But examples of political art can also be found as early as the 18th century.”- The Collector

A3: People think art activism is a new subject, but it is still shocking that it has been a part of our history without even knowing it. I wish in regular history classes they taught this as well because it is important and a valuable subject to learn.

Q4: “Courbet was an important figure in the Realism movement. Completely unembellished, he depicted the life and harsh working conditions of the lower classes.” - The Collector

A4: Gustave’s The Stonebreakers is an iconic painting that reveals the struggles and where the impoverished worked. It really is sad how just like back then, the impoverished still must work to exhaustion to make ends meet.

Q5: “But the question of what, precisely, constitutes protest art is a thorny one — and we kept tripping over it.” - NYTimes

A5: I love that protest art is a struggle to define. It feels like artwork made as protest art self defines itself in its mission and goal. Protest art of course has aspects of art, specifically its subjectivity which is different for everyone. There will always be variety and that's one attribute that makes protest art powerful.

Q6: “Under orders from Governor Nelson Rockefeller, state police retook the prison by force, killing 39 people, both prisoners and hostages.” - NYTimes

A6: This is such a sad event and the fact that Nelson Rockefeller had state police kill the inmates and hostages is crazy. The prisoners weren’t even being violent and the hostages, some were civilians killed. This just further reveals the cruelty in this world, but how people in power will sacrifice others no matter the cost.

What Is Art Activism? - Aileen Herrera Ojeda

WHAT IS ART ACTIVISM?

Art activism is the combination of the emotion we get from artworks with the change that comes along with activism. This is done to address and criticize political or social issues in hope to create a different outcome or to get people more involved in a certain issue. For example in the text, “The 25 Most Influential Works of American Protest Art Since World War II The New York Times Style Magazine”, the protest art “Robert E. Lee Statue in Richmond, VA”, a statue for a Confederate general was transformed by activists into a public gathering space, and is marked with thousands of “protest chants, calls for compassion, revolutionary symbols and anti-police slogans in dozens of colors.” This work is important because it has been reclaimed and is now a symbol of the Black Lives Matter Movement. Kind of serving as an interactive art piece, giving protestors a canvas to show their disapproval of injustice as well as a memorial for those who were lost to said injustice. It also serves as a reminder of America’s disturbing past, and a reminder to never go back. 

The 25 Most Influential Works of American Protest Art Since World War II The New York Times Style Magazine

“People who once avoided the statue now make pilgrimages to see what has become an emblem of the Black Lives Matter movement as well as a newly diverse public gathering space.” 

Out of all the art activism works that were discussed in this article, the one that most stuck out to me was Robert Lee Statue being turned into an art activism piece. It reminded me of the “A Dallas Drinking Fountain” in our Art Activism book. I think these reminders are types of reminders of the horrible times of our country. They also serve as a consistent reminder to never go back to those times. I think using the statue of Lee as a place to gather, to protest and commemorate is such a beautiful outcome to a statue of such a disgusting person and time period. 

“It’s incredible that artists — our creative peers and our community — are coming together for mutual aid. But we are doing services that we have every right to expect our government to do. It’s insane that they don’t have clean water in Flint at this point. It’s insane that people are going hungry in the richest country in the history of the world. And it’s insane that artists — who have no health insurance and who have no job security and are in an even more precarious situation now than they were six months ago — are leading the charge, you know?”

Especially in recent years, I think we have become more and more aware of how much our government just does not care about the people of this country. We have become more dependent on our communities or organizations for help when the actual people who are supposed to help just look the other way

An Introduction to Activist Art | The Collector | by Stefanie Graf 

“The artist once said that her biggest inspiration was injustice in the world.”

Personally, with all the stuff that has been happening since a specific day in January, I have left so much more inspiration to make artworks addressing these topics than I have ever before. It's definitely a time for people to use their voice and stand up for what's right.

“Ai Weiwei’s Soleil Levant, 2017, publicly discussed the dangerous journey of refugees trying to reach Europe. The installation consisted of 3500 lifejackets worn by refugees who had to cross the sea. While they prevented many people from drowning, others were provided with fake lifejackets and died on their way to Europe. Ai Weiwei’s work makes the dangers of these journeys and the suffering of these people tangible in the center of European cities.”

This art installation spoke to me the most since the message also applies to what’s happening here in America, where people are seeing the deportations of the many members of the Latino community and not having any ounce of empathy or care for these people who are being treated like animals. I think if people were to hear the stories of survival that these people went through in order to just get the country and survive in a country that has so much hatred towards them for just wanting a better life then change will happen. 

WHY ARTISTIC ACTIVISM? | Center for Artistic Activism

“The boundary slippage of artistic activism works equally well in repressive regimes where overt political protest is prohibited, yet artistic practices are tolerated.”

The first thing that I thought of when reading this was the recent Super Bowl halftime show with Kendrick Lamar. Personally, I would categorize his performance as a form of art activism, he used his music, and the overall stage setup and dancers as means to send a message to the American people. I think his words at the beginning, “The revolution about to be televised, you picked the right time but the wrong guy” sums up his message. 

“Creating and sustaining lasting change demands a change in values, beliefs and patterns of behavior, that is: cultural change. While changing laws and policies are essential, laws will not be followed nor policies enacted unless people have internalized the values that lie behind them.”

I think this can go both ways, laws and policies changing and heading towards less progressive sides will not be tolerated or even followed if people don’t want to be less inclusive and less progressive. 

What is Art Activism? - Scott Bram

 What is Art Activism?

     Art activism is a performance made or distributed in public as an act of defiance against or to bring attention to an ongoing social, economical, or political issue. These can take the form of dance, song, visual art, or demonstration.

War on Smog

     War on Smog is a performance made by an anonymous married couple in Chongqing, China. Made in 2014, the couple don gas masks and pose in front of a heavily polluted area, with poisonous smog engulfing skyscrapers like how fog would. This was made as a means of criticizing the Chinese government for failure to make any changes to battle air pollution. Since the Chinese government is infamous for censoring anything that criticizes its regime, this protest was made without words and thus not censored by police or the media. Not only were the photos made as criticism, these were their actual wedding photos. This further adds a sentimental value that tugs at people's emotions as this was the world they would have to spend the rest of their lives in. The monochrome black and white colors give an apocalyptic vibe, highlighting how the average Chinese person feels not being able to breathe where they live.

What is Art Activism? .- Mohamed Camara

What is Art Activism? 

Art activism is the act of using art in strategic ways to bring awareness for political change. 

Operation First Casualty 

    Operation First Casualty is where Iraq Veterans who are against war reenact the raids on Iraqi civilians to show them just how bad war could be. “Just walking around talking and marching wasn’t getting the point across,” explained Garett Reppenhagen, former U.S. Army sniper and chairman of the IVAW. “We wanted a demonstration that depicted what we wanted to show people. . . . I don’t have to talk to them, I don’t have to show them a piece of literature. They can see what we are doing, and see that the soldiers in Iraq are going through a hell of a time and the occupation is just really oppressive and violent.”

2. What is the message? 

Anti-War 

3. Who did it? 

Garret Reppenhagen former U.S. Army sniper and chairman of IVAW and Iraq veterans 

4. What do they address/protest?

A creative protest was staged by the Iraq Veterans Against the War in the streets of U.S. cities like Chicago, New York, Washington, D.C., Denver, and Los Angeles in 2007. Addresses that people don't understand the dangers of war. 

5.With/What Tools?

Military veterans, civilians, plastic tie, and a bag

An Introduction to Activist Art 

"One of the most important goals of activist art is to encourage social and political change. Just like Jacques-Louis David’s paintings promoted civic virtue and the abolishment of an old political system in order to create new and improved structures, contemporary artists use their works in similar ways." 

"Activist art can make these specific experiences visible and include them in historical, social, and political discourse."

    It was inspiring to see all the activist art from the past. It’s shocking that some of these issues still exist today, proving that art activism must never fade. Since the 18th century, artists have used their work to send messages and raise awareness about important issues. It makes me wonder why no one ever truly listens, but I guess we’ll never know unless we keep trying. The two quotes I chose highlight the power of art activism and how much change it can bring, although its messages at times tend to fall to deaf ears. 

The 25 Most Influential Works of American Protest Art Since World War II

"We discussed the silent work that art does — when it makes us brave and when it makes us believe in our collective capacity to create change."

"There were projections on it, it became an activist site. The transformation of that space, to me, felt like exactly what protest art is. The day I was there, I had a big camera with me, so multiple families would ask me to take their portrait in front of the statue, which I would do with their cellphones — and just in that way, it became activated. I’m really interested in ideas of activism in relationship to activating these sites."

    I love how it’s hard to pin down exactly what protest art is. The writers struggle to define it because what really determines if something is protest art? Is it the way it makes you feel, its message, or its impact? In the end, I think protest art is something that can be shared and embraced by the people, like the statue of Robert E. Lee. Once seen as a negative monument, it has been redefined in a more positive light, and appreciated by the public. There’s no violence, just art and a message.

Why Artistic Activism?

"Activism moves the material world, while Art moves the heart, body and soul."

"Artistic Activism is a practice aimed at generating Æffect: emotionally resonant experiences that lead to measurable shifts in power."

"Artistic activism – as an affective image, performance, or experience – is also well suited for an age of cell phone cameras and social networks. People don’t share policy papers, they share things that move them."

    This article accurately captures the relationship between art and activism, showing how they go hand in hand. While they may seem like two sides of the same coin, when combined, they become a powerful force. Activist art blends the entertainment and emotional pull of art with a deeper message; a call to action for change. I chose three quotes, but I could have included more; the passage was filled with powerful lines that highlight the impact of both art and activism when they come together. Activist art can take many forms, whether a painting, a performance, or something else entirely. Its message can be so powerful that it sparks change: stopping a war, overturning an unjust law, or shifting public perception.

    

What is Art Activism - Teana Maitland

 What is Art Activism?

    Art activism is the act of using art to spread and convey a message with hopes of inspiring change, and bringing attention to certain issues going on in society. Art activism can be portrayed not only through paintings and murals but through music & performances. The goal of art activism is to make people aware, educate and feel through art in order to take action. 

    This is Breonna Taylor. Breonna Taylor was a 26 year old emergency medical technician who was wrongfully murdered in her home by Louisville police officers. Apparently the police were issued a warrant to Breonna's boyfriends house because of possible drugs being supplied through his house. After arriving to Breonna's boyfriends house they knocked and because her boyfriend thought they were intruders he grabbed his gun which was legally owned, and fired shots behind the officers in response the officers let out an array of shots hitting Breonna six times which led to her death. This monument was built to honor Robert E. Lee a former confederate soldier, confederate states enforced slavery of African Americans. After the death of Breonna protestors put a picture of her face on it while also writing Black lives matter to protest against the police brutality on African Americans. This is Art Activism because standing up for the rights of African Americans while defacing the monument that was made to stand against us. 

Why artistic activism ?

 

    Quote:"The principles governing civic action are more likely to be found in the worlds of popular culture and entertainment, and artistic expression and reception, than in textbooks of political science."

    Reaction: I agree with this statement. From a personal standpoint I feel as though art will quicker draw me in and keep me engaged than books usually will. This quote highlights how much more people are educated through art then through just textbooks or words which I feel like is true because sometimes you can feel art just by looking and sometimes seeing something visually is just more easier to understand, you're able to grasp the message more clear. 

    Quote:"The boundary slippage of artistic activism works equally well in repressive regimes where overt political protest is prohibited, yet artistic practices are tolerated. Slipping under the radar, artistic activism is not identified as “politics” to authorities while still being able to communicate a social message to the public."

    Reaction: This quote showed me how important it is to practice activism through art. I know that some countries are against protesting and writing certain propaganda for the world to see so art is a more safer and easier way of trying to get your message across instead of writing it out. It can also be easier to hide certain issues through certain images especially when there can be some people unaware of some of the social issues occurring. 

An Introduction to Activism Art 

    Quote: When a referendum to legalize abortion in Portugal failed in 1998, the artist created a series of paintings that highlighted the fear, pain, and danger of illegal abortions. Her artworks had a great impact and were partly responsible for changing public opinion in favor of legalized abortions during the second referendum in 2007."

    Reaction: This quote caught my attention because it shows the power of art activism. Although art activism may not seem influential to much people this artist made paintings to protest against making abortions illegal by showing the downside of making them illegal. The artist was actually able to garner attention from the right people and was able to change peoples minds on illegal abortions. This just goes to show the impact on activism through art. 

    Quote: "The anonymous artist Banksy seemingly agreed with the opponents of the wall and his graffiti showing a protestor throwing flowers instead of a Molotov cocktail appeared in the center of Jerusalem. With the apparent message calling for flowers instead of violence, the work has often been interpreted as a call for peace".

    Reaction: This quote highlights how Banksy was able to deliver a powerful message while keeping his identity hidden. It demonstrates how art activism enables individuals to voice their opinions and advocate for change without revealing who they are. Whether through music, paintings, poetry, or online content, activists can spread meaningful messages while staying anonymous. This helps protect them from potential backlash or harm while still influencing society.

The 25 Most Influential works of American Protest Art since World War II

    Quote: “If you’re an artist, why don’t you come up with a creative solution to the problem?”

    Reaction: This question from a high school student challenged the idea of what it means to be an artist. It shows that art isn’t just about showing the world as it is—it can also help change it. This moment inspired Rick Lowe to start Project Row Houses, proving that creativity can make a real difference. It reminds us that art and activism go hand in hand, and artists have the power to create positive change.

    Quote: "People who once avoided the statue now make pilgrimages to see what has become an emblem of the Black Lives Matter movement as well as a newly diverse public gathering space."

    Reaction: This quote shows how the statue, once a symbol of oppression, has become a place for people to gather and support the Black Lives Matter movement. It shows how public spaces can change over time to reflect what’s important today. What was once a symbol of division is now a place for unity, and activism, making it more relevant to today’s struggles for justice.

What is Art Activism: George Ghattas

 

1. What is Art Activism: It is a form of art that combines creativity with activism to promote social change, the goal is to create a powerful emotional response that motivates people to take action.  

A Dallas Drinking Fountain:

The Dallas Drinking Fountain refers to a public water fountain in Dallas Texas symbolizing community access to clean drinking water. Historically, drinking fountains were installed in public spaces to provide hydration to citizens, particularly in urban areas. When I first looked at the picture I thought of it being a segregation between white people drinking from this water fountain and African Americans. For example I thought about how only white people are allowed to drink from this water since it is “Clean Drinking Water” and African Americans are not allowed too. 

Why Artistic Activism:

Q1: “Art is not a mirror to reflect the world, but a hammer with which to shape it”

Response: This quote emphasizes the transformative power of art. Artistic activism isn't just about reflecting society but about challenging and reshaping it. Artists use their work to critique, provoke, and inspire change, making art a tool for societal progress rather than mere observation. 

Q2: “The role of the artist is to make the revolution irresistible”

Response: Bambara’s quote underscores the activist’s role in igniting passion and mobilizing people. Art can be a catalyst for social change, stirring emotions, and motivating action. Through compelling visuals, music, or performance, artists have the power to make the call for change, something the public cannot ignore or resist. 

An introduction of Activist Art:

Q1: “Activist art is not simply a reaction to a political situation but a form of resistance to the structures that uphold inequality”

Response: Graf highlights that activist art goes beyond just responding to events. It seeks to challenge the deep rooted systems that perpetuate inequality. The artist becomes an agent of disruption, using their work to question and expose the underlying structures that often remain unseen, driving change through awareness and resistance.

Q2: “Art that protests, challenges, and demands change can make it audience rethink their role in a society that needs transformation”

Response: Graf stresses the role of activist art in shaping societal perspectives. By provoking thought and self reflection, such art pushes audiences to reconsider their participation in the status quo. It empowers individuals to recognize their potential to contribute to transformation, making art a powerful vehicle for social change. 

The 25 Most influential works of american protest art since world war II The new york times style magazine:

Q1: “Protest art has been an essential tool for challenging social injustice, giving voice to the marginalized and exposing uncomfortable truths”

Response: This quote emphasizes the role of protest art in amplifying voices that are often overlooked. Throughout history, art has served as a platform to highlight systemic issues, bringing visibility to marginalized communities and sparking necessary conversations about social justice.

Q2: “The most influential protest art nt only critiques the status quo but also imagines a new world, inspiring hope and action”

Response: This highlights the dual power of protest art. While it critiques current societal structures, it also offers a vision for a better future. By challenging existing norms and inspiring change, protest art motivates people to take action toward building a more just and equitable world.