Giselle Verdin 3/20e

 Quotes and response for Chapter 3: 

“The history of artistic activism told in this chapter is not comprehensive.”

This quote covers a history of artistic activism but may not cover all aspects or periods comprehensively. Artistic activism, as a field, encompasses a wide range of movements, strategies, and historical contexts, which can be challenging to fully capture in a single chapter or book.

“We frequently present others with “the facts,” expecting these to speak for themselves. They rarely do. People like to visualize ideas. Pictures help give a form to abstract theories, causes, and grievances. Spectacles are a public way to draw a picture.”

This quote highlights the importance of visual communication and spectacle in activism. While presenting facts and data is essential, it often isn't enough to persuade or mobilize people effectively. 

Quotes and response for Chapter 4: 

“But art is also used to challenge authority and privilege, often precisely by challenging how those in power see the world.”

Challenging authority and privilege is a fundamental aspect of many forms of art, including activism through art. By questioning the perspectives of those in power and challenging dominant narratives, artists can disrupt established hierarchies and advocate for social change.

“We’re taught to believe that artists create things that are new, unique, and absolutely their own. This is not true. “

The idea that artists create entirely original works can be misleading. While artists do bring their unique perspectives, experiences, and creativity to their work, they are also influenced by many factors, including cultural, historical, and personal influences.

The Black Panther


Bobby Seale and Huey P. Newton established the Black Panther Party, or BPP, as a revolutionary socialist group in Oakland, California, in 1966. The party was founded at the height of the American civil rights movement and quickly rose to prominence as one of the most important and divisive organizations supporting black empowerment and self-defense.The Black Panthers sought to combat racism, police brutality, and the disparity in wealth that African Americans experienced. As proponents of the right to armed independence and self-defense, they frequently patrolled black communities to witness and record police activity—a practice they dubbed "copwatching."





The Artist is Yoko Ono and it is called “Cut Piece”. The work is frequently seen as a potent statement about trust, vulnerability, and the dynamic between the artist and the audience. Ono highlights the possibility for both compassion and violence in human connections by giving up control and allowing people to rip off her clothing. This exposes Ono to the acts of the audience. The act is supposed to show how possibly one pushes boundaries for woman and they go unexcused.