Activism
Activism is the organized and vigorous work towards social and/or political change. Examples of activism are the charity walks hosted by the fraternities in NJCU, the programs in NJCU that aid less represented students, and the talks against policies that the president would like to implement.Art Activism
According to my interpretation of the text The Art of Activism by Steve Duncombe and Steve Lambert at the Founders of the Center for Artistic Activism, Artistic Activism is a melting pot. It may look more like art, and more like activism at times. What matters is that the heart of the artistic activist behind the piece can be seen and heard. So seen and understood that it calls forward those who view the piece to step off their curb and join the realm of activism.
Readings & Quotes
Why Artistic Activism?"The principles governing civic action are more likely to be found in the worlds of popular culture and entertainment, and artistic expression and reception, than in textbooks of political science."
The ability to read & write text much like this one was developed in the blink of an eye compared to the lifetime of the human race. Long before we could write, we could draw. This quote makes me understand that walls of text aren't the most effective way to communicate ideas to one another.
"social movement historian Doug McAdam’s estimation of King’s “genius for strategic dramaturgy,” likely better explains the success of his campaigns."
Being able to cleanly and emotionally speak your mind to convince millions is a trait few have. That King used this ability along with proof behind his actions for change allowed him to be such a successful representative of the Black community in his lifetime.
An Introduction to Activist Art
"They usually have a common dominator, which is a 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."
Activism's main approach to get more people off the curb is to show them what they're letting happen to them when they have the power to change it. That art can be used as a more effective medium to communicate the problem is a pleasure to see.
"War often caused responses from artists..."
The greatest violence causing the greatest responses hurts. War is a foolish battle where there are nothing but withered roses and dead dreams.
Artists Using Their Creativity to Drive Activism
"From discarded materials to transcendent art, Anatsui's work ignites change, fueling a brighter tomorrow."
El Anatsui's artwork from rubble and junk into critiques of the lack of diversity and situational awareness are incredible. It makes me understand that all pieces of art are important, even the material used to express your activism.
"With each stroke of her brush or whispered musical note, she invites us to imagine a world free from conflict and division."
Yoko Ono's musical prowess being so great it makes you forget 'conflict and division' makes me want to try to listen to her music to see if it's true. If so, having your music be able to invoke such a strong feeling must be the greatest honor any musician could hope to have.
Soleil Levant, Ai Weiwei in 2017.
The Soleil Levant was made by artistic activism Ai Weiwei was made in from over 3500 salvaged life jackets from refugees who made it to the Greek Island of Lesbos. Weiwei is a Chinese activist who wanted to bring the spotlight to the massive refugee issue in Europe. This example is a beautiful piece of artistic activism because if we remember Anatsui's artwork being derived from land trash, we can also apply that same logic to the saviors of untold thousands who clung to their life jackets for dear life.
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