Art as Activism
From the article, "An introduction to Activist Art" there was a specific painting of art that captured my attention and it has no title but it is by Paula Rego's from her Abortion series. The reason I choose this artwork is because it draws attention to the women and their experience. It confronts social injustice as it brings awareness about the fear, pain, and danger with illegal abortions. As a woman it's hard enough that we live in a patriarchy world but on top of that having our bodies being controlled. It makes no sense how were the ones that struggle when we provide life and now others are trying to control that.
An Introduction to Activist Art
Quote: "Another important goal of activist art is to create awareness of existing political and social issues."
Response: Activist art creates awareness for people to acknowledge important topics occurring in the world and making them actually caring instead of turning a blind eye. These activist arts basically throw it in one's face to make sure that people realize how big of a situation is and how it may affect one.
Quote: "The case of Paula Rego’s ‘Abortion Series’ shows how many people were apparently unaware of the painful and dangerous situations women had to face during and after an illegal abortion.
Response: Paula Rego had an abortion series of paintings and it was able to capture emotion and the experience that women go through. A main reason for her artwork was a response to how Portugal failed women by not allowing them to have legalized abortions. This sparked many reactions especially from the painter causing her to use her artwork to fight the social injustice.
Why Artistic Activism?
Quote: "There are many ways of doing activism and being an activist, but the common element is an activity targeted toward a discernible end. Simply put, the goal of activism is action to create an Effect."
Response: Activism Art doesn’t just grab your attention, but sends a message, makes a statement and resonates. The dynamic practice of artistic activism balances the strategic planning of activism which is required to effect social change with the creative ability of the arts to affect us emotionally.
Quote: "It enables activists to imagine new tactics, strategies and goals to keep campaigns fresh and make them more effective. "
Response: It sets apart creativity from the ordinary and the refined from routine. Effective organizing requires creativity. Artistic Activism accomplishes its goal by being louder than words as it is a message that no one can really go without ignoring and it reaches their targets.
The 25 Most Influential Works of American Protest Art Since World War II
Quote: "Sentences barely do. You need sound bites, catchphrases, crafted in plain language. The poster is exactly that, a sound bite, and vernacular to the core. The poster perfectly suits the American ear. It has a power. If you’ve ever stopped in front of one or turned your head for a second look, that power was at work."
Response: During the early times of the AIDS epidemic many had ignored the big issue especially the government and the mainstream media. This caused a group to form of six men to discuss the important issue of AIDS and how it can not go unrecognized because many people will die if not brought to attention. The idea of of creating a piece of artwork that would capture Americans attention as words would simple not do it but a picture sure would.
Quote: "A Man Was Lynched Yesterday,” read the banner, confronting the residents of a northern city with the horrifying regularity of these murders."
Response: Although officers did take part, these executions were frequently carried out by chaotic mobs acting in the name of justice. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, white people utilized lynchings violent public acts to intimidate and control black people. The banner was changed to the wording of "A Man Was Lynched By Police Yesterday" and has brought upon a lot of controversial opinions about how progressive the United States is.
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