The illustration depicts the "Undocubus", which in 2012 "was then taken on a road trip through the Southern United States to protest local anti-immigration laws that had created a climate of xenophobia and fear". The bus, decorated with monarch butterflies and the print "no papers, no fear, symbolizes the adoption as the butterfly to represent freedom fighters. I also believe the phrase no papers, no fear is effective as it presents documentation of citizenship as simple papers. Linguistically it's understandable but the topic is, but they are literally just papers and the lack of having them can cause immense fear and distress.
The monarch butterfly is an interesting symbol as it's likable, majestic and beautiful, easy to recognize as a symbol, and also migrates from North America to Mexico. I had previously known that the monarch was used for the specific movement but I hadn't really known the reason why. Now that I understand the full context I find it very intriguing and effective. I also simply believe that the illustration is very well done, the butterflies loving the eye to move from the bus to the top of the page in a directional pattern. I also believe the contrast of red, white, and black throughout the illustrations are very effective with a bold visual style.
What is Art Activism?
Art activism uses creativity, spectacle, parody and media literally to reach people and transform perspectives.
“All over the world, and throughout history, the lines between arts and activism were being blurred in creative and effective ways.”
While I don't think art and activism are ENTIRELY synonymous, the blurring of lines - intentional or not - art is a main mechanism for activism. Written or visual, linguistic or symbolic, literature or performance, art is art.
The Art of Activism, Your All-Purpose Guide to Making the Impossible Possible by Steve Duncombe and Steve Lambert
Introduction and Chapter one
“All being an activist really entails is having an idea of what needs to be changed and doing something about it.”
I feel that this description summarizes the idea of activism by addressing the main focus. It describes the essentials of recognizing change first, evaluating, and then taking action. When you begin to inform yourself and educate your own understanding of the world, evaluating what needs to be changed just pushes you to recognize different alternatives that can and should be set into motion.
“Most of the time, however, the audiences for this art were made up of people a lot like Lambert: other artists upset with the way things were and wanting a different world, but not knowing how to achieve it.”
I feel as though some anger is just a manifestation that shows someone cares about a certain topic. If we are angry enough about a topic or issue, it pushes us even closer to taking action. While that anger can potentially lead us into more drastic behaviors, there is also the possibility for a planned engagement with several alternatives of achievement. I’m not sure if I’m getting that point across well but basically I just feel that if we care enough about something and we think about it critically as well as emotionally, there is more incentive for us to take action as we know the logical and emotional aspects of importance.
You will have your own unique story of what led you to step off the curb. Whatever it was, it was likely a powerful experience.
Our catalyst for inspiring chance can be powerful but also painful. I also believe that knowledge can be equally as painful but that pain can be manifested into something good, and something greater than yourself.
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