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.