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.
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