CURATORIAL ACTIVISM AND INTERVENTION POST 4 - VALENTINA PENA

The Art of Activism - Chapter 2: Process

Quote 1:

“An obsession with the product is not unique to arts and activism, it is at the core of capitalism.”

This quote really got me to think. We have a tendency to think that which is of greatest value is the end result the completed work of art, the large scale protest, going viral. We put out that everything has to be polished, successful and seen by many. What that quote did was bring to light for me that this is a product of capitalism that which is of value is that which is productive. That is a heavy thing to accept. In activism and art the process the dialogue, the mistakes, the slow growth is where we see real change. We put so much into the outcome that we miss what is transpiring in the middle. And sometimes that which transpires in the middle is the real victory.

Quote 2:

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

This is true for me. Creativity does not do well in chaos or constant pressure. When we’re overcome by deadlines, responsibilities, and noise, it’s hard to see a different path. That quote brings up that which we think of as a luxury making space both physically and mentally is in fact a necessity. For activism in particular reflection is key. If we are always reactive we are not thinking through our actions. Stepping away from the routine allows us to dream in different terms, and in those different dreams is where change begins.

“Towards a Curatorial Activism” by Dr Maura Reilly

Quote 3:

“However, it’s not surprising: Western Art – it’s a White Male thing.”

This line feels blunt, almost uncomfortable — but that’s why it works. It forces you to confront something that’s been normalized for so long. When we think about “great artists,” most of the names that come to mind are white men. That didn’t happen by accident. It happened because museums, critics, and institutions kept repeating that narrative. Reading this made me realize how much art history has been shaped by power. It’s not that other artists didn’t exist — it’s that they weren’t given the same spotlight.

Quote 4:

“There are no women equivalents for Rembrandt, Delacroix or Cézanne, Picasso or Matisse,’ she argued, ‘any more than there are black American equivalents of the same.”

This quote brings to light how in the past we justified exclusion. We didn’t just say women and Black artists weren’t as talented we also turned a blind eye to the fact that they were not given the same opportunities to begin with. If you denied people access to training, to funding, to exhibition in galleries and to recognition, of course history would present an unbalanced picture. What I see in this is a system which presents inequality as a natural state of affairs. That is what curatorial activism works against the idea that certain groups are by birth right great. It brings to attention that history is not set in stone. It is a living thing which we may add to.

What is an Art Intervention?

An art intervention is a creative act put into public setting or cultural structures which is to present or question, to change things up. It breaks from the routine of everyday life and gets people to pause, think, and reevaluate their beliefs. It is not for the purpose of mere decoration it is to shake things up.

How Can Artists Create Messages that Inspire Change?

Artists bring about change through the use of emotion and clarity. A picture can speak louder than words. When art causes us to feel discomfort, pride, anger, solidarity it opens up space for thought. When that emotion is put with info or group action, it really does the heavy lifting. Art turns issues into human terms.

How Can We Use Process/Habits to Design An Intervention Strategy?

• Research (Observer): Understand the issue deeply. Who is affected? What already exists?
• Sketch (Inventor): Brainstorm freely. Try ideas without fear of failure.
• Evaluate (Critic): Ask hard questions. Who might this exclude? Is it accessible?

• Act (Worker Bee): Execute. Print. Install. Share. Invite participation.

What is Curatorial Activism?

Curatorial activism uses the platform of the exhibition to bring about political and ethical change. It involves the presentation of marginalized voices and the critique of dominant narratives in what art is chosen, put on display, and framed.

How Can Art Spaces Expand Art Activism?

Art spaces can function as platforms for dialogue. They can spotlight silenced voices, create forums for discussion, and build community. A gallery doesn’t have to be passive — it can become a site of resistance.

Brainstorming an Art Intervention – Global Warming

One issue that it’s not been spoken enough is global warming and how it has become a normalized issue. We see reports of rising temperatures, of wild fires, floods and melting ice caps, but in time it comes to feel far away as if it is happening to someone else. That emotional distance is a part of the issue. By the idea that the process is as important as the product I have put forth the idea for an interactive video which I call “The Temperature of Our Future” or “We don’t need Nature, Nature needs us.

This small video will be visible for anyone who would like to watch the video, I would make a QR Code and try to put around the campus hallway and bulletin boards. The video would be animals trying to speak to us about real global temperature and deforestation reports. We will go for a feel that is at once playfully engaging and also a bit uncomfortable. Also to be included are people’s personal actions which they pledge to reduce plastic, conserve energy, the seas, protect our animals and their habitats. The goal is to make climate change feel immediate and participatory instead of a remote issue.