I chose this artwork because pieces like this will always catch my attention as a black man living in the United States. Many people know that police brutality is a real issue that black people have suffered and are still suffering from to the point where a flag like this can bring back traumatic memories. Looking at the fact that Dread Scott created the new version of the flag in 2015 after the shooting of Walter Scott means to me that the flag is a way of raising awareness and a way of bringing attention to the issue to help fight police brutality against black people in the community.
An introduction to activist art:
“Do women have to be naked to get into the Met. Museum?” Less than 5% of the artists in the modern art section are women, but 85% of the nudes are females”
Inequality and Sexism are some of the issues that the activists and their artworks are fighting against, and it is something that's been an issue for decades. Women artists don't need to be objectified to gain public credit for their artwork and talents in any aspect. Having a diverse environment where artists of all genders can get recognition and be appreciated for their talent should be an important focus.
“The goal of activist artwork can also vary widely. Works can challenge racism, sexism, authoritarian regimes or war. They usually have a common denominator, which is to focus on political and social issues with the intent to change or influence public opinion by confronting people with an unjust or problematic status quo.”
The reading talks about how essential activist artworks are and how they can vary widely. However, one thing I found the most important is the "common denominator with the intent to change or influence public opinion" because many people pick and choose what they want to care about. Often, if an issue is unrelated to them, they purposely choose not to care, which is not beneficial for the community. It is sometimes necessary to influence people, forcing them to sympathize with those affected by the issues.
Why artistic activism:
“Activism is foreign to many people, and a bit daunting”
I agree. Activism is not a familiar concept to everyone sometimes, especially if those people aren’t aware of the issues that activism addresses or if the problems it addresses are unrelated to them. For that reason, it can be daunting. However, I believe everyone is an activist or can quickly become one. I think everyone would be willing to help bring attention to an issue about something they are passionate about by protesting or by sharing an activist artwork on the internet to assist.
“Artistic activism's ability to escape easy categorization is a benefit in societies where protest is commonplace.”
It is well-known that artistic activism has a unique advantage in our society, where protests are expected. I believe that Activist artwork and memes have some similarities. However, the difference is that activist artwork usually makes obvious statements while memes, on the other hand, imply the statement funnily. Artistic activism is a valuable tool because it helps get messages across and can also transmit the message through many forms of art, for instance, through performance art, street art, and more.
Artists using their creativity to drive activism:
“Their art goes beyond reflection; it is a mirror demand recognition, acceptance and equality for the LGBTQI+ community”
We live in a world where many people are afraid of being who they are, not because they are ashamed of it but because they are scared of what others might think and how they might get treated. However, I believe everyone should be allowed to be who they are and deserve acceptance and equal rights no matter their race or gender identity.
“The world is a canvas waiting to be painted with unity” Yoko Ono
I believe that this is a quote everyone should try to live by, in a way of helping to fill the canvas(world) with unity and a good vibe by accepting people for who they are, by coming together, and by not treating people differently because of their gender, skin, culture, and more. Living like this would give us the power to improve the world.
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