What is Art Activism?- Deanna Currington

Part 1

Activism in my community

Protest over shooting in Minnesota-Published Jan 8, 2026

Shocked and angry protesters were outraged over a fatal shooting that took place in Minneapolis. Protesters marched from Foley Square to One World Trade Center, where Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was holding a news conference. They were demanding that ICE leave the city. 

Rally to Oppose War in Venezula- Published Jan 30, 2026

A rally was held in Times Square to protest the U.S. military invading Venezuela while also demanding the release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. This was part of a week-long event called "Week of Resistance in Solidarity with Venezuela."

Brooklyn Org funds 12 Non-Profits - Published Jan 30, 2026

Brooklyn Org, a nonprofit community-focused foundation, gave nearly $500,000 in grants to 12 local organizations, each receiving $40,000. It was part of their "Brooklyn Backs Brooklyn" campaign. This was to help expand any services for Brooklyn families, particularly with funding cuts and the increased ICE pressures. They aim to raise $5 million this year to help provide more resources to Brooklyn.

Part 2

Activism challenges power by exposing, naming, and refusing to accept this "power" dynamic as normal or natural. Activism changes by disrupting how it operates, even in small ways. It isn't about a kind of asking; it is about questioning why things are the way they are. Activism is an action which is something that shifts behaviors and that generates an effect that can shift public perception

I choose The Migration Gained in Momentum by Jacob Lawrence because it speaks on the hardships of groups that are at a disadvantage. People who are underrepresented and overlooked. This particular piece is about African Americans who moved from the South to the North during the world war. It emphasizes hope, struggle, and reflects migration. This piece from 1940 is still very relevant now in 2026. As a first-generation American, I see my family in this piece, and I think of all of the families who now come here to make a new life for themselves but are now feeling targeted by ICE agents. This series now doesn't just visualize African Americans, it is a visual of immigrant, first-generation Americans, and even anyone in between.

The Migration Gained in Momentum by Jacob Lawrence, 1940-41, via MoMA, New York

Part 3

Introduction to Activist Art

"Activist art is a powerful tool with a long and varied history that can call attention to the most pressing political and social issues."

"When the public is looking away from suffering that could be prevented or does not want to be confronted with it, activist art often creates a dialogue and forces people to think about these problems."

I believe art activism is powerful because art allows us to say things that might otherwise be difficult to speak about. Art gives form to the things that we can or cannot say. Art can cross thresholds like culture differences, language barriers, or even class structures. Even throughout history, we are able to look at art from the Renaissance, Baroque, neoclassicism and visually see what they may have seen or felt during that time. Instead of reading about it, you can see their world without the art. It creates a stronger connection forcing people to confront and analyze a world that they have never experienced. 

The 25 Most Influential Works of American Protest Art Since World War II

Cut Piece Yoko Ono  " "Cut Piece" eloquently conveys an experience familiar to many women — that of being inside a body upon which others feel entitled to act."

This performance piece drew my attention immediately because I felt like I understood. What activated emotions in me were the two participants. The male at the beginning cut off a piece of her clothing from her chest, which seemed dominating in a way to me because it would begin to reveal her chest. Then, after the woman cut her sleeve, which didn't seem as improper, but the way she snatched the piece of clothing off of her told another story. It goes back to the idea of punching down that we spoke about in class. Some people don't like the idea of being equal to others, so they have to place someone beneath them to make themselves feel superior. The size of the pieces of clothing cut said a lot as well. They took pieces that were big enough to make a difference. A piece that was big enough to be noticed by her and everyone watching. 

"There’s a lot of money in art. There are a lot of people who use their money to try and shape the world in a particular way."

This quote highlights how art operates within systems of money and power. Those with money can influence culture and what society can see. Money doesn't just buy art, it is a way to control the narratives, visibility, and silence certain art.

Chapter 1 Reading

 "We make sense of our world through symbols and stories at least as much as we do through facts and figures."

This quote makes me think of culture and family. Symbols can be anything, like patterns, flags, archetypes, and images. Stories are passed down through our families all the time. I make sense of my world through the stories my grandparents and my parents told me. Stories, in a sense, tell us what matters even if it may not be the whole truth. For example, the stories our grandparents may have told us about how they met may not be 100% true or slightly exaggerated, but the only thing that matters is the family and the generations created because of that connection. As humans, we aren't driven by just data and facts.

"Guerrilla Warfare: Know your terrain and use it to your advantage."

I resonate with this quote because it is a military principle. In my personal experience as a young girl, I didn't know how power moved. When I joined the military, I was able to see what others don't see. I didn't see war heroes and strong men and women. I saw suffering, disrespect, privilege, and a long list of other things. I was able to use my disadvantages to learn more. Which, in turn, helped me to survive. My disadvantages were being a black woman in the US military; I was often targeted. Now that I am a veteran, I use my experience and my knowledge to educate those who are curious about the military. If they want to know I tell them what to expect because that is what I wish I would've had before I joined. The raw and the real. My experience can possibly save others from abuse, assault, hazing, suicide, racial injustice and a long list of mental health issues. I bit the bullet so that I can help others have better risk management. 💗