the art of activism ch 2 and 3 - fatima flores

“We are often our own worst enemies when it comes to being creative. As artists and activists we frequently self-censor our ideas because they aren't clever or creative enough. Instead of striving to create masterpieces, we need to give ourselves permission to experiment in disasters: to muck about and test the ridiculous, absurd, silly, and, above all, stupid things.” (ch. 2, pg 58) -  i agree with this quote 100% percent because most of the ideas artists and activist have, end up in disasters. but, we keep trying, continue to create art, continue to protest. whatever doesn’t work, we scrape it and try again until we’re satisfied with the outcome.

“Creative people are observers. Observing simply means moving through the world with wonder, using our senses, taking notice of and capturing anything and everything that strikes us, without judgment.” (ch 2, pg 60)

- being observant is okay, this means that you’re aware of what’s around you. whether it’s a protest against inequality or a mural of someone who was murdered at the hands of police brutality. you would notice that being observant, can inspire us on what our eyes land on. 

“In addition to teaching us that artistic activism is not only a modern strategy for social change, Jesus, and the movement he spawned, holds another important lesson that is relevant here.” (ch 3, pg 97)

- artistic activism occurred during the BCE time, with jesus protesting and making a change, activists had the same impact. from jesus, to mlk, to rosa parks, to martha p. johnson, and etc. jesus has more protesting and experiences to discover. 

“The Civil Rights Movement taught a generation of activists about the power of image and performance, and these lessons were passed on…” (ch. 3, pg 109)

- the civil rights movement was massive movement and has had an impact on activists, for decades. this was the moment where artists and activists were inspired to make a change, make art that's powerful and impactful, which is inherited, years later. a new wave of passioned activists will fight for what's right, and spread impactful information of the movement. 

The Art and Activism Chapter 2 and 3, Zine- Angel Gonzales

 

Chapter 2:

Quote: "In the activist world, it is the demonstration or rally that one organizes that attracts people, gets media coverage, and influences politics."

Response: This quote sticks out of me as I find it to be very true. In order to get your point across the world, you must create some sort of attraction to your cause. Once you get the people's attention, then the media will start to cover it and politics will eventually get influenced. 

Quote: "Physical and mental space is key for creativity. A space away from the ordinary routines, obligations, and distractions of daily life."

Response: Having time away from your daily routine is what will bring out your creativity as you will be in an unfamiliar place. Your mind will begin to develop ideas that haven't been in your head before.

Chapter 3:

Quote: "This is the historical Jesus: the Mediterranean Jewish peasant taking on religious authorities and the Roman Empire and building a revolutionary movement two millennia ago. Not Jesus Christ, but Jesus of Nazareth."

Response: I have never heard of this story before I found it a little interesting. The name Jesus of Nazareth is something I have never come across before.

Quote: "When we protest we are also demonstrating to the world who we are, what we believe in, and how we’d like the world to be."

Response: This seems like an appropriate way to describe what people are doing in a protest. They are telling the world their beliefs and ideologies. 

What does Raf know about art?

• "Art has the power to tell the truth, even when we don’t want to hear it."
• This quote captures the essential role of art as a form of activism and reflection. Art isn’t just about beauty — it’s often a mirror held up to society, forcing us to confront uncomfortable truths. Kimberly Drew’s work shows how art can spark dialogue and inspire change.

• "We must keep reminding people that art is for everyone."
• This line reminds me how often art is seen as exclusive — something for the wealthy or highly educated. Drew challenges that idea by advocating for accessibility and representation, making sure marginalized voices are included in the art world.

• "Our stories deserve to be told, our work deserves to be seen."
• This speaks to the importance of visibility and diversity in the arts. Drew’s commitment to showcasing Black artists and creators pushes against the erasure and underrepresentation of their contributions, reminding us how vital it is for everyone’s narrative to have space.

Raf's Response to the Art of Activism Chapters 2 + 3

 Chapter 2:

• "Once you've made a habit of showing up for your creative work, don't expect to make masterpieces."

• This quote emphasizes the importance of consistency over perfection in creative endeavors. By regularly engaging in the creative process, individuals can develop their skills and ideas, understanding that not every effort will result in a masterpiece.

• "To make injustice the only measure of our attention is to praise the Devil."
• Focusing solely on injustice can be overwhelming and counterproductive. This statement suggests that while it's crucial to acknowledge and address wrongs, it's equally important to highlight positive actions and solutions to inspire hope and motivate change.

Chapter 3:

• "Artistic expression and cultural creativity flourish among communities who are marginalized within formal spheres of politics, law, and education."

  This observation highlights how marginalized communities often turn to art and culture as avenues for expression and resistance when excluded from traditional power structures. These creative outlets become vital tools for voicing experiences and advocating for change.

• "We've also learned that artistic activism works particularly well in repressive regimes where overt political protest is prohibited, yet artistic practices are tolerated or even celebrated."

  In environments where direct political dissent is suppressed, art can serve as a subversive medium to challenge authority and inspire dialogue. By embedding activism within artistic expression, practitioners can navigate censorship and reach audiences in impactful ways.

The Art of Activism - Chapters 2-3 - Christopher Cruz

 Quotes:

Q1: “In order for our creativity to progress, we need to allow ourselves the freedom to make fools of ourselves.”

A1: This allowance of having freedom to make fools of ourselves is hard. We live in a society where everything has to have some perfection and artists are no stranger to it. We all strive to create something perfect, but developing a mindset like this makes the process more genuine and a personal moment of self critique and laughter. I feel all artists need to develop this type of framing, to laugh at your silly foolish mistakes, enjoying them as you progress. Laughing and enjoying your imperfections, in my opinion, can never be found in the creation of AI art.

Q2: “And it truly doesn’t matter how well you draw. In fact, the worse you are as an artist the better the process might be, as you won’t fall into well-worn artistic ruts.”

A2: Usually my sketches would look like that if I didn’t try hard to refine them. I feel like this experimental phase is the best phase to be creatively chaotic as I call it. It is almost entropic, where your sketches or a manifestation of your ideas and thoughts in disorder, but complimentary and contrasting. For some of us, we should purposely be worse artists at this stage of our creative process so that we are not restricted by our urge for perfection.

Q3: “By entering Jerusalem on a donkey—the titular “Son of God” seated upon a lowly ass—he performed his ideal of a world turned upside down in which “the last shall be first, and the first last.”

A3: This reminds me of the phrase “Slow and steady wins the race” from the tortoise and the hare. Both phrases hint towards patience and appreciation of simplicity in my opinion. Jesus is sitting on top of a donkey which isn’t a very fast animal. You can say the donkey is a simple animal and not as powerful and brazen as a horse.

Q4: “Instead, Jesus is saying that if we are going to be truly liberated from the Empire, we need to create, embrace, and enact an entirely different way of seeing and being that refuses to acknowledge its authority.”

A4: Jesus’s thinking and approach counters my interpretation of the phrase “There are two sides to the same coin” which I find intriguing. The example presented and applying to the phrase  “There are two sides to the same coin”, I would interpret that as both church and state being different, but under the same system. Jesus’s thinking breaks that which not only demonstrates a third option then the yes or no he would be given, but reveals that true liberation is to dismantle authority and embrace a differing approach if we want to establish true liberation.

The Art And Activism: Chapter 2 & 3 - Mohamed Camara

Chapter 2

Q: "Creativity isn’t a product, it’s a process. It’s a process that helps us to notice new objects and events, make new connections, and see the world in different ways. It’s a process that helps us think of, sketch, experiment, and build innovative things. A process that helps us act in a different manner and imagine new horizons within which to act. Most important, creativity is a process that all of us can use to become artistic activists."

R: This quote emphasizes that creativity isn’t just about producing something tangible, it’s about thinking differently and embracing experimentation. It highlights how creativity helps activists reimagine possibilities and innovate ways to engage people. I agree with this idea because it shifts the focus from creativity as an exclusive skill to something that anyone can cultivate. In activism, this means finding new ways to communicate messages, challenge norms, and inspire change.

Q: "Instead of striving to create masterpieces, we need to give ourselves permission to experiment in disasters: to muck about and test the ridiculous, absurd, silly, and, above all, stupid things."

R- This statement challenges the perfectionist mindset and encourages taking risks in artistic activism. Experimenting with the "stupid" and "absurd" may seem counterintuitive, but it can lead to unexpected breakthroughs. I think this is an important reminder that failure isn’t the opposite of success but a necessary part of learning. 

Chapter 3

Q: "Artists and activists are always operating within a cultural context. In order to be heard and understood, an activist needs to learn how to use popular culture, but they also need to know how to transform it so that it speaks to and for their own cause."

R: This quote stresses the importance of understanding the cultural landscape to make activism effective. Popular culture is a tool; it can reinforce dominant narratives or be subverted to challenge them. This is particularly relevant today, when social media, music, and memes can spread activist messages. 

Q: "We sometimes get hung up on what we think activists and artists, protests and movements, are supposed to look like—this often being based on how things have looked in the past, or in other places. The feminist insight that the personal is political asks us to question this and suggests that our subject positions reflect the varied nature of our life experiences and social and historical contexts. In other words, there is no universal revolutionary subject, no single model of the “proletariat,” “feminist,” or even “artist” or “activist.”

R: This quote rejects the idea that activism and art have a single "correct" form. It is a powerful point because it challenges rigid ideas of what a protest should look like or who can be an activist. It also ties into intersectionality, recognizing that activism must reflect different perspectives and not just a singular, traditional model.

The Art of Activism: Chapters 2-3 - Scott Bram

 Chapter 2

    "Capitalism is based upon things: producing things and consuming things. What’s overlooked when we focus on things is an understanding and appreciation of how things are made and who makes them; that is, the process of creation."

    Consumerism blinds a buyer from the work put into making a product, whether it be from exploitation or genuine hard work and passion. Buyers can become hypercritical of what they're buying, not knowing the reason why it has a certain quality or price without knowing the work that was put into it.

____

    "Our creativity won’t thrive if the only time we make for it is an occasional weekend, or between phone calls, emails, and “important" meetings. We need to set aside blocks of time... Even once the necessary time and space has been created, there’s more we can do to clear our heads for creative work."

    This comes to me as personal advice, as I realize I only ever have creative time when I don't have class or on the weekends, or when I'm about to sleep which leaves no time for thoughts to properly flesh out. Weirdness and being able to be different from the average person are incredibly important to me, and I attribute that to my creative ways of thinking. 

The Art and Activism Chapters 2 & 3: George Ghattas

 Chapter 2 Quotes:

Q1: “Activism is not a one time event but a lifelong commitment to fighting for change”

Response: This quote emphasizes that activism is a continuous journey, not just a temporary phase. It speaks to the dedication required to challenge systems and bring about meaningful, long term change. Activists need persistence, understanding that their efforts might take time to yield results, but the fight for justice remains ongoing. 

Q2: “True activism is not just about raising a voice, but about creating a space where marginalized voices are heard and valued”

Response: This quote highlights the importance of inclusivity in activism. Its not enough to simply make noise, effective activism involves amplifying voices that are often ignored or silenced. It's about fostering an environment where everyone, especially the marginalized, has a platform to be heard and contribute to the cause. 

Chapter 3 Quotes:

Q1: “Activism is the spark that ignites the first of social change, but it requires patience and strategy to keep it burning”

Response: This quote underscores the idea that activism alone is not enough to bring about change. While activism may initiate the push for progress, it must be followed by careful planning and sustained effort. Social change requires thoughtful strategies, collaboration, and, above all, patience as lasting transformation often takes time to achieve. 

Q2: “Activism, at its core is about empathy, understanding the struggles of others and being willing to take action on their behalf”

Response: This quote highlights the foundational role of empathy in activism. It’s not merely about advocating for one’s own interest but about understanding and acting in solidarity with those whose voices are marginalized or oppressed. Activism rooted in empathy drives meaningful action that seeks to uplift others, reflecting a deep commitment to justice and equality.

The Art and Activism Chapters 2 & 3 - Emmanuel Orellana Monsalve

Chapter 2:

Q1: "Once you’ve made a habit of showing up for your creative work, don’t expect to make masterpieces."

R1:  There's a lot of people around the world that give up their dreams or hopes when trying to create something. Once they start and feel very bad for not making the best. Sometimes we have to realized that it takes time to create something we are really proud of.

Q2: "Over the long-term, our creative process needs to be imbued with a sense of hope and optimism."

R2: This quote/line also helps out the other quote that I have chosen, with enough hope and optimism to that we have, the more power and energy we have to make something that we really feel good about putting out in the world.

Chapter 3:

Q1: "We frequently present others with “the facts,” expecting these to speak for themselves. They rarely do. People like to visualize ideas. Pictures help give a form to abstract theories, causes ,and grievances. Spectacles are a public way to draw a picture."

R1: When reading this line, I do realized that I understand and visualize the message that the artist is trying to portray if they use images/pictures to further express their idea.

Q2: "We never start at zero, and it’s a mistake to think we create something from nothing. We are always drawing from repositories of words, images, and meanings that already exist."

R2: Lastly, this quote/line I agree with, no matter what we think or how we think of it. There will always be something that made us want to express a problem whether we get inspired it be big or small.

The Art and Activism Chapters 2 & 3 - Teana Maitland

 Chapter 2

    Quote: "If someone handed you a guitar and some sheet music and demanded you to play a composition perfectly the first time, could you do it? Of course not. It’s too much pressure.We need to practice, mess around, and make mistakes."

    Reaction: Sometimes with creativity there is immense pressure to get things right or perfect. I often times feel like pressure can make us for hesitant or reluctant to dive fully into our creativity. I know that sometimes when people do not get things right the first time or fail at it in can cause us to be unmotivated or discouraged but I believe making mistakes should be used as lessons in order to keep growth. I often times don't get things right and used to beat myself up over it but in due time I took those failures and used them as motivation to go harder. 

    Quote: "Our creativity won’t thrive if the only time we make for it is an occasional weekend, or between phone calls, emails, and “important”meetings. We need to set aside blocks of time. Put it in your calendar if you need to, but give yourself a period of time for creative work"

    Reaction: I can agree with this statement. I do think that giving yourself uninterrupted time to focus strictly on being creative allows you to dive deeper into your creativity. Also just giving yourself that time work solely on being creative and not focusing on anything else just gives you time to flourish in your creativity. 

Chapter 3

    Quote: "The Black church provided the creative material, the images and narratives, with which to imagine a successful struggle against great odds."

    Reaction: I liked this quote especially being someone that grew up in a black church. I do believe that the church is a place of comfort for black people where they feel safe and closer to one another especially in the time of the civil rights movement. Its also a form of protest because the stories and art shared in this space can make people aware of the struggles black people have been through.

    Quote: "By dramatizing those aspects of reality that are hard to see, or that we are reluctant to look at, we can make the invisible visible."

    Reaction: After seeing the rosa parks picture and the picture of the cops abusing black people, I feel like it shines a light on the severity of racism on black people things that may have not been seen in that light during those times. Bringing light to those current situations can impact people and potentially open their eyes up to the events taking place especially in a time where white people were superior. 

     

 

The Art and Activism Chapter 2 & 3 - Aileen Herrera Ojeda

 Chapter 2:

“Better than being imperfect, the perverse logic goes, is to do nothing...but then, of course, nothing changes.”

When I was younger I really enjoyed drawing but I was not super keen on proportions. I just was super lazy to learn proportions more than I had, especially because it seemed really daunting to me. The drawings that I did have that I used proportions, in my opinion were not up to my standard and I felt like I could do better but instead of working at it and getting better I just stopped drawing completely. 

“We lose a lot more often than we win, and even when we win, we have to fight again the very next day to hold on to the little we gained. It’s easy to get dispirited as an activist.”

We’ve made a lot of progressive and inclusive moves especially within the last few decades but as of recent this progress is in danger we have to fight harder than ever to not only keep those laws but also keep moving towards that inclusive end goal. 

Chapter 3:

“In order for history to be useful, we need to use it—to learn from it and then put these lessons into action.”

I think this is where we’ve been failed as a whole, not only in America but everywhere really, we aren’t properly taught history if we are even taught history that is. I feel like for a lot of us history is just a subject in school, information you need to know for tests or quizzes, we don’t learn it in a way that humanizes these events. Seeing history as simply history and not as a lesson is our greatest flaw.

We sometimes get hung upon what we think activists and artists, protests and movements, are supposed to look like—this often being based on how things have looked in the past, or in other places.

I think a great example of somewhere we wouldn't necessarily think of a place of activism is the Halftime Show stage at the Superbowl.

 Zine:

The Art and Activism Chapters 2 and 3- Angel Gonzales

Chapter 2:

Quote: "In the activist world, it is the demonstration or rally that one organizes that attracts people, gets media coverage, and influences politics."

Response: This quote sticks out of me as I find it to be very true. In order to get your point across the world, you must create some sort of attraction to your cause. Once you get the people's attention, then the media will start to cover it and politics will eventually get influenced. 

Quote: "Physical and mental space is key for creativity. A space away from the ordinary routines, obligations, and distractions of daily life."

Response: Having time away from your daily routine is what will bring out your creativity as you will be in an unfamiliar place. Your mind will begin to develop ideas that haven't been in your head before.

Chapter 3:

Quote: "This is the historical Jesus: the Mediterranean Jewish peasant taking on religious authorities and the Roman Empire and building a revolutionary movement two millennia ago. Not Jesus Christ, but Jesus of Nazareth."

Response: I have never heard of this story before I found it a little interesting. The name Jesus of Nazareth is something I have never come across before.

Quote: "When we protest we are also demonstrating to the world who we are, what we believe in, and how we’d like the world to be."

Response: This seems like an appropriate way to describe what people are doing in a protest. They are telling the world their beliefs and ideologies. 

Examples of student intervention projects

Click through these blog posts to see previous student INTERVENTION assignments. 

https://actsofresistancefa2024.blogspot.com/2024/11/final-intervention-project-draft-javier.html

https://actsofresistancefa2024.blogspot.com/2024/12/final-intervention-project-shayna-pullo.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMdus-lNqFg&ab_channel=VicHealth

https://actsofresistancefa2024.blogspot.com/2024/12/final-intervention-project-rocco.html

https://actsofresistancefa2024.blogspot.com/2024/12/final-intervention-project-veronica.html

https://actsofresistancesp2024.blogspot.com/2024/04/final-interventuon-project-extension.html

https://actsofresistancefa2024.blogspot.com/2024/12/final-intervention-project-patti-fasani.html 

https://actsofresistancespring2023.blogspot.com/2023/04/karens-final-intervention.html

https://actsofresistancespring2023.blogspot.com/2023/04/intervention-3-final-project.html

https://actsofresistancespring2023.blogspot.com/2023/04/renees-final-intervention-lets-paint.html

Wednesday 2/5 Assignment Philip Abeleda

Group Teanna Maitland, Angel Gonzalez, Philip Abeleda Memes:

This meme harks to the conundrum that AI automation places employees through in the post-covid global economy. The prediction that automatons would take over the tedious responsibilities of humanity has existed even before computers. The damaging effects AI automation had on the job market was only discussed recently, and even then very few could predict that AI could replace what were thought of as the "irreplaceable" such as illustrators, writers, authors, and artists.   

This meme discusses the dilemma that those who voted for Trump's deportation policies may also suffer from them. Republican dominated industries such as construction, agriculture, and logistics are ones that also employ copious amounts of illegal immigrants. Although theres benefits in making sure all your employees are citizens, the presence of non-citizen workers has been the natural order since antiquity, and going against this natural order means risks towards economy and industry.

This meme talks about the policies in Project 2025. Many thought the policies of Project 2025 were too outlandish and radical for even Trump to pursue, but now Trump is pursuing them.

Patriarchy is the system in which upper class men of a specific race, alongside racial and female auxiliaries, hold primacy and control upon society.

Activism is the mobilization of an organization or ideology in an effort to encourages changes in society or policy. This is can be done through non-violent or violent means.

Chapter 1:

"But what brought them to their work was usually far more personal and emotional" (Duncombe and Lambert 17). Alot of online activists are under the presumption that their posts on social media will accumulate manpower in their efforts, when in reality their posts bounce around in an echo chamber that simply reinforces the existing manpower pool. 

"By riding the line between political expression, which is often repressed in China, and art, which is tolerated and even celebrated, these artistic activists carved a space to safely protest within an author- itarian regime" (Duncombe and Lambert 35). Even if the message can be disagreeable to some, the art behind a message can garner respect if it is undeniably palatable as a viewing experience. 

This Is What I Think About Art - Christopher Cruz

 

This Is What I Think About Art

I chose Hank Willis Thomas’s Scarred Chest as a piece that interests me because I find scarification to be beautiful, but powerful. The individual in the artwork has Nike-shaped bumps on their skin. I believe this may be alluding to how Nike, just like other corporations or brands, exploit their workers for labor just like the colonists and plantation owners exploited the slaves for their labor. If I was to make a title for which this piece would fit in an exhibition, I would call it, Untold History: Scarification Tales of the Exploited. This exhibition would have various artworks of scarification that depict stories or tales of exploitation in various circumstances, their connection and perpetuation in today’s world.

Quotes

Q1: “At the time, I also discovered writings by Carter G. Woodson, the founder of Negro History Week, which would later grow to become Black History Month. He wrote that “If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.” I did not want Black art to be a negligible factor. I did not want Black art to be exterminated.” - Kimberly Drew

A1: I agree with this quote from Carter G. Woodson but also it is a powerful statement. Not only is it true, it happens in other parts of the world and reminds of Mexico, specifically the Native American and Afro-Mexican history. It was preserved and passed down without many of the Afro-Mexicans or Mexicans of Native American descent realizing it. This action taken to preserve the history and traditions is similar to the preservation of Black history. I feel like both events align with Woodson's statement.

Q2: “On Instagram, I used pictures of our guests in the gallery to show our audience that they might see themselves there, too. I knew the power of representation and tried to leverage the image in a way that felt authentic.” - Kimberly Drew

A2: I like how Drew used the power of representation to not only attract her audience, but wanted to be authentic. The power of representation is a useful tool and in a world where there are barely any expression and demonstrations of Black bodies and artists, it is sad as the art they create comes from many inspirations and even their spiritual aspects of their homeland’s culture.

Q3: “By the end of the meeting, she asked me to think deeply about what I wanted to say, and, more importantly, how I wanted it to be interpreted. It was not just enough to be angry. I had to be strategic.” - Kimberly Drew

A3: I agree with the importance of being strategic with a message while still trying to convey your emotions. Some of the feelings we feel towards something can be expressed, but when up to the audience, it can appear like just another person complaining or expressing their thoughts in an immature and inconsiderate manner. Art Activism combines both aspects of Art and Activism which is, problem solving and being strategic. In both fields, an artist and activist must find a solution to how they wish to convey their thoughts and ideas while revealing the cruelty of the topic they are focusing on. Problem solving and being strategic in this case is essential to being able to capture an audience’s attention to cause a call for action

What does Raf think Art Activism is?

Liberty - Jean-Michel Basquiet, 2017

This artwork by  Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Liberty (1982) explores themes of freedom, identity, and the struggle for self-expression, often seen in his work. The painting features a bold, abstract composition that reflects Basquiat’s signature raw, energetic style. The central figure in the artwork is an enigmatic character, which is often interpreted as a symbol of personal or societal liberty. His figures in works like this typically reflect his exploration of African American identity, social hierarchies, and the complexities of race and power.

Basquiat often combined elements of graffiti with a painterly approach, using a mix of words, symbols, and chaotic lines. In Liberty, this chaotic style could symbolize the tension between personal freedom and the societal forces that try to contain or control it. The presence of text, scribbles, and abstract forms is key in interpreting the theme of liberty – suggesting that freedom is fragmented, challenging, and not easily understood.

READINGS:

1. WHY ARTISTIC ACTIVISM? | Center for Artistic Activism

• "It’s hard to say what art is for or against; its value often lies in providing us perspective and new ways to envision our world. Its effect is often subtle and hard to measure, and confusing or contradictory messages can be layered into the work."
• This is by far a very apt description to put to art pieces nowadays and even back then. During the Renaissance era, it was very cut and dry what a painting was, despite how much you may try to dissect it. I think that work nowadays however, because of how complicated we made life out to be, art pieces evolved to attack those issues underneath the table. It's the only way of sneaking insults or being able to even speak without getting caught, because everyone has their own interpretation of the piece. The original message underlies all of that.
• "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."
• The professor did say that, even if I didn't like politics or tried to stay away from it, it's an inevitability that I will have to be political. And it's true, so many of the issues in our world come in the form of politics, and it's our way of life. Art is merely an interpretation or an imitation of life, so naturally, art will take hold with politics as it's foundation.

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

• "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."
• I think I, myself, have greatly underestimated the effect art can have on the people. I've mostly known art to be used for forms of entertainment, but never have I seen it incite change. I've seen it plant seeds in people's minds, but nowadays such seeds are usually never watered and die out with the overwhelming amount of information that seems to suppress such ideas, distracting as they are.
• "Activist art can make these specific experiences visible and include them in historical, social, and political discourse. The case of Paula Rego’s ‘Abortion Series’ shows how many people were apparently unaware of the painful and dangerous situations women had to face during and after an illegal abortion.
• And isn't that crazy? That despite us being in a world where information passes to us or even by us ever so quickly, we still fail to grasp the weight of the situation because our heads are too busy being weighed down by our eyeballs pointing down at our phone screens. So no wonder art is power, because it's a visual element that informs, creates, emphasizes.

3. 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. The statue and its surrounding lawn are now the site of barbecues, music and dance performances, family get-togethers, voter registration tents, photo shoots, board games, basketball hoops and religious services, as well as ongoing demonstrations, encampments and candlelight vigils."
• I think it's interesting how much the ideas of activism have changed in people's minds have changed. Not to the point where we happily welcome it with open arms as it brings stress and discourse in our peaceful day, but to see the fruit of labor and the reason why we fight to progress. To push forward into an ideal society that no longer needs violence to respond to violence.
• "In 1968, somebody might have said, “I’m a scientist,” and somebody else might say, “I’m a lawyer,” and somebody might say, “I’m a revolutionary,” and that would be his or her profession. For the last few decades, people would say, “Don’t admit that, don’t talk about that, that’s not real.” And now it’s an important identity for a lot of younger people. That’s really important. It doesn’t answer the question of what the art is."
• We're so scared of ourselves, honestly. I don't blame them, either. The responses of the government, the response of people around activists. But it's a thankless job, and not the kind of job you can put down on your taxes. It's not a form of employment.

This Is What I Know About Art - Mohamed Camara

 Remy Jungerman, Peepina Devil Maroon A8, 2011 (The Devil Inside)

This Is What I Know About Art

"How did I know about Andy Warhol and not know about “the Black Warhol”?Where had this information been hiding? How many more Black versions of my favorite artists were there?"

    The first quote questions why Black artists, like the so-called “Black Warhol,” remain hidden from mainstream narratives. It points to systemic erasure, where Black artists are often overlooked in favor of their white counterparts. This calls for the reinvention of art history, urging people to seek out and celebrate underrepresented voices. The lack of visibility for Black artists is not due to a lack of talent but rather a failure in documentation and recognition. 

"On December 5, 2014, I posted a call for art in support of the #BlackLivesMatter movement on Black Contemporary Art. The page, which still exists on the blog, links to work that was selected by our editors or submitted by our community. It was developed as a space for collective healing and mourning—for anyone who needed to experience art that attempted to offer sense in this tumultuous time. In that moment, I began to understand how intimately art and activism could work together to produce a collective voice and shared community. And for me, there was no going back."

    The Black Contemporary Art blog became a space for people to process collective trauma and express solidarity through art. It shows that art is not just a vibe; it is deeply political and can bring about change. Art is a powerful medium for social justice. It allows us to process grief, challenge injustices, and foster unity. Supporting Black artists and platforms that amplify their work is essential in ensuring that art remains a voice for change.

"In creative fields, when it comes to a lack of diversity, many blame “the pipeline.” They claim that a lack of applicants inhibits them from making more inclusive hiring decisions. I refuse to believe that, and I want you to know that I see you and thank you. I have seen many rooms that need people just like you. Please, never ever hesitate to begin your own journey into the arts. From the outside, you may see the same names inscribed as I did when I looked at the Met’s facade. They may intimidate you, too. I hope you also know that if we’re ever going to add to the list of names that are celebrated in history, we’ll be stronger together."

    This quote shows the art world must move beyond excuses and commit to true inclusivity. Aspiring Black artists should know that their voices are needed, and shouldn’t be discouraged by the current lack of representation. By creating, supporting, and uplifting one another, they can carve out a place in history.

This is what I know about Art- George Ghattas

 Q1: “Art is living, breathing thing”

Response: This quote speaks to the vitality and constant evolution of art. Drew emphasizes that art is not static or confined to galleries, its a dramatic outgoing force in the world. It connects deeply to our personal lives, cultural histories, and society’s ever changing landscapes. Art in her view is as much about the present as it is about the past; it is constantly shaping and being shaped by those who engage with it. 

Q2: “We have to do the work. Art is not separate from our lives, it’s part of how we live”

Response: Drew advocates for a deep active engagement with art that goes beyond just observing or consuming it passively. Art should inspire action, reflection, and even activism. It’s a reminder that art does not exist in a vacuum, its intricately tied to our identities, our struggles, and our collective experiences. This quote serves as a call to action for all of us to think about how we interact with art and how it can shape our lives and communities. 

Q3: “There’s power in seeing yourself in art, in being reflected back at you through the lens of someone else’s vision”

Response: Representation is one of the key themes in Drew’s work, and this quote emphasizes its profound importance. When we see ourselves in art whether in the form of race, gender, or lived experiences it validates our existence and allows us to feel seen and heard. Drew highlights the transformative impact of seeing art that reflects one’s identity, which can foster empowerment, connection, and greater self understanding. 

Black Lives Matter:

    

    This photo shows an officer writing down “Black Lives Matter” multiple times. The reason I chose this photo is because I myself am a criminal and Justice major and I know how deep this can get with people in the public. This is something that has been going on a while back with police brutality, racism, and the way officers use their police force as an advantage yet it is not because officers do not realize that they are making the entire department and other fellow officers look bad. This was mainly being deeply looked at with the George Floyd case. A majority of individuals start seeing officers differently because of the way officers treat people, this is something that needs to be changed because it does make the departments look bad and it shows how they are using their power too much. 

This is What I Know About Art by Emmanuel Orellana Monsalve

 This is What I Know About Art by Kimberly Drew

Q1: "The more art I saw, the more I wanted to share it with others."

R1: At times I do really wish to share my ideas with my friends or show off whether it be drawing based or video based, I do sometimes get demotivated and overthink that I wouldn't be able to do it. However, when looking around at others do it. I too strive to accomplish my ideas and look to learn to be able to do that.

Q2: "Real talk—working at a small and under-resourced art institution was a powerful, humbling experience."

R2: Looking at this quote/statement and looking where I am now. I can relate a tiny bit being able to work with a story that is family owned make me feel grounded and know that I'm doing something for myself for once and learn many new things.

Q3 "As the years carried on, I used this optimism as a shield. I wielded it when people expressed surprise that someone like me sauntered proudly through the museum’s halls. The optimism came to my defense whenever I spotted one of the museum’s many flaws. Optimism kept me afloat as I set out to fix them."

R3: This quote really made me think about how I use optimism in my life. Whenever I'm at the lowest point or maybe on the highest point of my emotions. I use optimism to help myself cope and push forward my emotions or ideas to express any problems I have.

One of the very many blog posts I was looking through that caught my eye was this piece called "Close to the Edge: The Birth of Hip-Hop Architecture" at first glance before reading any title or any text. I assumed this looked like some concept art or piece that would fit in for a movie or game. However, when looking at this piece again with the title this had widened my eyes even more making me realized what if this is the place where people were able to freely express themselves with the topic or theme of hip-hop.

this is was i know about art - fatima flores

this is what i know about art

 “Art and protest will forever be bound together. And the beautiful thing about art, like activism, is that it allows us space to be curious and learn. Sharing art has helped me learn how to make my voice heard and ask better questions.”

- the meaning of art activism is supposed to make others aware of issues and learning of art activism. creating art that’s mainly focused on social issues makes them understand how their voices can be heard, how our voice can be impactful, even powerful. we learn from others that art and activism are one amazing feat. 

“During my meeting with Thelma, she told me about the consequences of my action generously taught me that my voice was a powerful one. Instead of leading with rage, helped me understand this difficult crossroads. By the end of the meeting, she asked me to think deeply about what I wanted to say, and, more importantly, how I wanted it to be interpreted. It was not just enough to be angry. I had to be strategic.”

- learning from other people is important, especially when you’re actively on social media, posting about social injustice. being an activism can rile up emotions, through social media and going to protests. being emotional will cause activists to riot or become violent. activism is something to be patient with, running in with frustration and unhappiness will destroy the progress of being a non-violent protest. our voices are powerful, use it as determination for a better tomorrow. 

“They ask big questions and propose even bigger solutions. They show us that no matter where we come from or where we’re going, we can all take part in changing the communities around us. Because the possibilities of how we can use our space for good are endless.”

- activism can change the way people think, the way they ask questions, or the way they act. the change can happen anywhere, us, the people we can do anything we set our minds to. art and activism is a powerful source. together, they are extraordinary. 

open season - kevin appiah-kubi

this painting made by kevin appiah-kubi, speaks a thousand words. this is the definition of being black in america. the feeling of having an invisible target on their back, having police stop black people without probable cause, police becoming aggressive when black people are cooperating, having a gun shoved in their face, their hands up, showing the police that they have no weapon. i chose this art piece because it’s it’s truly a powerful piece, the basic definition of art activism; the hands and the face having a target on them, seeing that police murder black people for simply, existing.