WHAT IS ART ACTIVISM? - Madison Padilla

 Part 1: Activism in community (3 examples)

1. Community events/protests
2. Signing a petition
3. Boycotting

Part 2: Defining art activism. 

What is art activism? 

Art activism is when artists use their work not just for beauty, but rather as a tool to protest injustice, raise awareness, and inspire communities to take collective action. One artwork that stood out to me from the readings was Olafur Eliasson's installation "Dreamscape." He is a contemporary artist and a master of immersive experiences through large structures and sculptures. I absolutely adore the kaleidoscopic tunnel effect used to connect the environment and nature with human existence. This work is an example of art activism because the colors make an individual feel like they're in another dimension. As you walk through the work, the color changes depending on movement and position due to the angle of the lighting, reminding people that reality is shaped by where you stand.

Part 3: READINGS

The Art of Activism: Your All-Purpose Guide to Making the Impossible Possible by Steve Duncombe and Steve Lambert

1. "Politics is about people’s perceptions of the truth, their feelings about facts, and their visceral experiences of the world" (pg. 24).

I felt that the authors were trying to hone in on how humans are emotional in nature. Everyone goes through life having individual experiences and identities. To connect with someone, you must understand their values and beliefs so they can understand yours.

2. "In order for the emotional affect of art to have political effect, art needs to be combined with activism" (pg. 28).

This quote discusses how art and activism must work alongside one another to achieve change. The "affect" of art is required for people to care in the first place, and the "effect" of activism needs to be combined to ensure that these emotions get used for systematic change.

An Introduction to Activist Art | The Collector | by Stefanie Graf

1. "Courbet was an important figure in the Realism movement. Completely unembellished, he depicted the life and harsh working conditions of the lower classes."

Courbet painted the world exactly as it was rather than "beautifying" it as many artists did. He shifted the focus and subject to ordinary people doing manual labor in a raw and rough manner. Typically, canvases had been reserved for noble purposes and the upper class. Courbet used this form of art as a tool for social and political change.

2. "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."

Activist art takes extreme issues and puts them in public spaces where they cannot be ignored. While many people choose to turn away and ignore uncomfortable situations, artists force people to confront these issues directly. These are the necessary steps to demanding change and uniting people together.

Artists Using Their Creativity to Drive Activism | Global Citizen

1. "In every fight for justice there is a story to be told."

Art provides a medium for storytelling and evoking empathy. Art activism makes stories visible and impossible to ignore.

2. "Fearlessly defying the status quo, these artists prompt us to question, reflect, and take action, urging us to harness our talents to drive social impact."

Art activism is meant to push people to act and contribute to society in different ways. It is a catalyst for forcing change through vision and creativity.