As a reflection of larger social issues and processes, the convergence of activism and curatorial practice is becoming more apparent in the modern art world. Authors, historians, and curators can actively engage with social and political issues through their work; Dr. Maura Reilly's essay "Towards Curatorial Activism" and Kimberly Drew's book "This Is What I Know About Art" offer valuable insights into this complex relationship.Drawing on anecdotes and introspections about art, race, and identity, Drew weaves a riveting tale in her book. By delving into art history, Drew calls attention to the significance of diversity and inclusion in the art industry, questions established narratives, and calls for more equality and representation. Her meteoric rise from blogger to curator and advocate highlights the revolutionary potential of art to spark conversation and drive changes in society.
The significance of community and mentorship in influencing Drew's comprehension of art and activism is highlighted in a critical time in her book. She talks about how meeting influential people like Glenn Ligon and Thelma Golden shaped her perspective and inspired her to work toward her goal of giving a platform to underrepresented groups in the arts. The importance of mentorship and collaboration in this context shows how activism and curatorial practice are interdependent, drawing attention to the need for collective action to question established norms and promote inclusion.
Drew also stresses the importance of art and culture becoming accessible to everybody in her story. Social media, she says, are crucial because they let underrepresented groups recover their stories and fight against dominant ones. Reilly's demand for curatorial activism, which stresses the necessity for cultural institutions to proactively participate in matters of social justice and equality, is in line with Drew's support for inclusion and accessibility in the art world.
A more welcoming and politically aware method of creating exhibitions is advocated for in Reilly's article, which offers a theoretical basis for comprehending curatorial activism. Curators, she says, should challenge art world hierarchy and put underrepresented voices front and center in order to combat structural inequality. Curatorial practice has the power to change institutional norms and promote inclusion; Reilly's call to action is in line with Drew's advocacy for diversity and representation.Several quotations in Drew's book summarize her dedication to social justice and activism. "Art is a direct form of communication, and I firmly believe that the world is changed by the stories that we share." This quote shows her thoughts on the transformative power of art in challenging established ideas. The article and representation have a crucial role in creating collective consciousness, and this remark emphasizes the power of art to drive societal change. This exhibition intends to ask: How can this overt racism and violence happen without significant press attention and protests in a society that boasts that every person gets a 'fair go'? (Towards a Curatorial Activism by Dr. Maura Reilly, p. 22). This comment makes one hink critically about how civilizations that profess to value equality and justice can be so hypocritical and biased. Despite assurances of equal treatment for all people, it brings attention to the disturbing reality of racial violence and injustice that frequently goes unreported or ignored. In light of this finding, it is clear that structural racism and inequality require more widespread self-reflection, public education, and persistent action.
Finally, the book by Drew and an article by Reilly provide helpful context for understanding how art, activism, and curatorial work interact with one another. Their emphasis on equality, social justice, and representation forces us to reevaluate how cultural institutions impact our worldview. Authors, historians, and curators may elevate the voices of the underprivileged and challenge current power systems through their knowledge and advocacy, which can lead to significant change. It is critical to acknowledge the power of art to promote understanding, compassion, and unity as we keep working through these problems and themes.
Ben spoke something really personal the day of the presentation, that I can also connect with Drew, is that they both experience racism, Ben spoke about when he was young him and his family were really poor, which Drew comes from a poor family, but Ben Jones said that when he was a child one time he was passing by a place that only white people could walk through and a police officer told him to not walk there, that he doesn’t belong. Drew experienced the same thing in the classroom her professor told her that she might not belong in that class. But yet, these situations didn’t stop them, they kept going about their lives, and trying to guide others, and helping them find their light with their art, and with their experiences they tried to guide others.
Envision, Empower, Embrace, 2010
I chose these two pieces of art from the exhibition because they are relevant to the discussions that we have been having in class.
In the beginning, the works of art were built on the idea of empowering ourselves, constantly learning about new things, and imagining what the future will be like. But in addition to that, it illustrates the problems that we are currently facing, such as our nature, our religion, our beliefs, and similar things. This piece of artwork reminds me of the one of the immigration bus with the butterfly, they both have a kinda representation of nature, of how animals have their own representation about life. During the presentation Ben kept on saying how we have to empower our brain and experiences, and to take control of us.
Deliver the funk 1980
The driving force behind social change is activism, which is characterized by the intensity and persistence of people who have a desire to create a more equitable society. It has grown into a powerful movement that fights oppression, inequality, and injustice everywhere it goes, going far beyond simple campaigning. In order to fight against oppression and stand up for underrepresented groups, activists use various types of collective action, such as street marches, protest signs, and online forums to raise awareness. Activism, at its heart, is about lighting a fire of consciousness and unity, about evoking empathy and starting a conversation that cuts beyond boundaries and generations. It represents the conviction that each individual's opinion is significant, every step we take adds up, and that we can create a better, more equal world if we band together.
Reilly, M. Curatorial Activism.https://www.maurareilly.com/pdf/essays/CIAFessay.pdf
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