Post #3 What is art activism?

1) Chapter 1 Quotes

"If knowledge is power, and knowledge is now so freely available, then why does power still remain firmly in the hands of a few? Something is wrong with the equation."

 I agree with this statement because we are exposed to so much information but at the same time we are being manipulated by the people at the top who hold the power. They create the illusion that our rights as the voters and taxpayers will be upheld but there is so much corruption and lack of transparency created to keep up the smoke and mirrors.

"As artistic activists, we are always trying to generate, creating experiences that generate feelings that have demonstrable impact in the world. This is the brass ring of artistic activism. We always reach toward it, sometimes we grab it and sometimes we miss."

This quote resonated with me because it emphasizes the importance of not being a perfectionist when it comes to artistic activism, it doesn't have to be perfect in order to reach somebody. When it is successful, the impression that it can leave is so significant that is it important to keep creating in order to reach as many people as possible.

2) 

"The interests, hardships, and experiences of marginalized groups are often underrepresented or not discussed at all. Activist art can make these specific experiences visible and include them in historical, social, and political discourse."

This quote is so true because the issues that are suffered through by marginalized groups are often something that people with money and power, and are benefiting from the patriarchal structure, can separate themselves from. Activist art uses the emotional power of art to transcend class and start conversations that help these groups get representation.

"With the help of these horses, they use different crowd control techniques that they learned at the police academy such as making people move in certain directions or separating people into groups. The Cuban artist said that it was important to her that the audience was unaware of the fact that the policemen’s actions were part of the work of art."

I found the description of this exhibit so interesting because the audience does not know that they are part of the exhibit, nor do they know they are being controlled in a calculated way. It would be interesting to watch the exhibit on the fringe if you knew this was happening. 

3) "With her needle and thread, she weaves intricate embroideries that defy traditional notions of femininity. It invites viewers to question and reimagine societal expectations. Her bold and vibrant paintings redefine the concept of the nude, presenting the female form as a symbol of strength and liberation."

I love that Ghada Amer is using embroidery, which has such a traditional vibe, and using it to make feminist statements that feel new. and progressive.  

"Ringgold's art is a visual symphony that harmonizes activism. A great example of this is in one of her pieces, called "The Flag is Bleeding #2", where she utilizes her signature quilting technique to portray an African American woman on the American flag amidst scenes of holding on to her children as she bleeds. With evocative imagery, Ringgold confronts issues of injustice, inspiring reflection and a call to action for positive transformation."

This is another great example of an artist using a traditionally more benign form of art to make a big powerful statement that is more in line with today's values and pushes the envelope.  In this case she is using it to express the experience of black women and children in America.

Part 1-

 In my town there is a woman who advocates for people in need through an organization she developed. She tells people in the town about the issues that need attention, and the community bands together to assist, whether it be through volunteering time, donating money, clothing etc. .

There is another person in my town who took it upon themselves to create a facebook page that is in the interest of the people in the town. They go to the town meetings, school board meetings etc, and often raise a lot of awareness about issues that would otherwise not be questioned. They sometimes get a lot of flack from some people who say they are stirring up trouble, but I think what they are doing is important and transparency should be something the local government is willing to provide.

At my university, NJCU, I see a lot of students who are very outspoken about their political stances and take action in various ways such as signing petitions and attending protests and rallies for causes that affect marginalized groups such as immigrants.

Part 2 - Defining art activism. "Artistic activism is a hybrid practice that marries the creative force of art to the concrete results of activism." This means that art activism moves people in a way that makes them feel something, while also sending a message that is likely to influence change. It is concerned with social issues.

thecollector.com

Paula Rego's series on the things women have to go through when obtaining an illegal abortion was able to bring about an actual change by showing a visual of the compromising position are put in because their freedom of choice was taken away.