In the world of art, activism isn't just about protests or politics. It's about how art is made, shown, and understood. Kimberly Drew's book "This Is What I Know About Art" and Dr. Maura Reilly's essay "Towards Curatorial Activism" show us how art and activism can go hand in hand, connecting with what we've talked about in class. Drew shares her experiences as a Black woman in the art world. She talks about feeling out of place at events like the Venice Biennale, where most people don't look like her. This feeling pushes her to speak up and make space for people like her in the art world. She uses her voice on social media, like Instagram, to highlight artists of color and challenge the art world to be more inclusive.
In her book, Drew emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive spaces within cultural institutions, stating, "We can find each other in these institutions and together we can shape them into spaces where we feel safe, seen, and celebrated" (Drew, 7). This sentiment underscores her belief that everyone should have the opportunity to feel represented and valued in the art world. Reilly's essay talks about how curators, the people who organize art exhibitions, can also be activists. She says they should use their power to include artists who are often ignored and to address important issues in their exhibitions. She gives examples of exhibitions she's curated that focus on women artists and global feminism.
Drew's words also remind us of the transformative potential of art, as she writes, "Art is nothing if not an entry point for empathy" (Drew, 20). This perspective highlights the role of art in fostering understanding and compassion across diverse communities, emphasizing its capacity to bridge divides and spark meaningful dialogue. Both Drew and Reilly show us that art can be a tool for change. Drew's words remind us that everyone deserves to see themselves represented in art. She says we can make the art world better by working together. Reilly's essay shows us that curators can make a big impact by choosing what art to show and how to show it.
Drew's advocacy for representation is further echoed in her assertion that, "Our stories deserve to be told in museums, in galleries, and online, too" (Drew, 14). This statement underscores the importance of diverse narratives and experiences in shaping our understanding of art and culture, challenging the dominance of mainstream perspectives. In summary, Kimberly Drew and Dr. Maura Reilly show us how art and activism can come together. They teach us that anyone, whether they're an artist, historian, or curator, can make a difference by using their voice and their platform to make the art world more inclusive and reflective of our diverse world. Additionally, Drew emphasizes the collective nature of activism, stating, "We don't have to be alone in this work; we have each other" (Drew, 215). This sentiment reinforces the idea that meaningful change within the art world requires collaboration and solidarity among individuals committed to advancing social justice and equity.
Citations
Drew, Kimberly. This Is What I Know about Art. Penguin Workshop, 2020
Towards Curatorial Activism, by Dr Maura Reilly
Envision, Empower, Embrace, 2010
Acrylic and digital print on canvas 86 x 48 inches
"Envision, Empower, Embrace," created by artist Ai Weiwei in 2010, features three words carved into marble blocks. The artwork encourages viewers to imagine a better future, take control of their lives, and embrace diversity and change. It's activist because it prompts people to reflect on their role in society and advocate for positive change. These words remind us to stand up for what's right and work towards a more just and inclusive world.
"Connected" is a painting made with acrylic on canvas by Ben F Jones in 2022. It shows colorful lines and shapes coming together, symbolizing how we're all linked. The painting reminds us of our shared experiences and connections with others. It's about understanding and caring for one another. "Connected" encourages us to think about the relationships we have and how they make us stronger together.
Connected, 2022
Acrylic and digital print, 11 x 14 inches
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