Chapter 3 - History
Quote - “All Successful Activism Has Been Artistic Activism.”
This asserts that the most effective activism has always engaged with art, imagery or performance in some way, not just marches or petitions. It pushes one to think of change-making as inherently creative, not just a way to an end.
Quote - “History Is Not Destiny.”
This reminds us that although past movements offer ways it can be done, they do not determine the future. We aren’t bound to repeat what came before, but can innovate new forms of activism suited to our time.
Chapter 4 - Cognition
Quote - “Art is really all about affect … Activism is about creating demonstrable material transformations in the physical world.”
This frames the distinction between art, which has more emotion and experience, and activism, that has change and effect. Highlights that for artistic activism both affect/feeling and effect/result must be added.
Quote - “One of the problems we see … is it’s only about the tactics.”
Response: This warns that focusing solely on a flashy action or performance without clear objective or strategy undermines real impact. It encourages intentionality over spectacle alone.
From the article “Yoko Ono - A Groundbreaking Artist, Activist and Fighter”
Quote - “You may think I’m small, but I have a universe inside my mind.”
Ono’s statement emphasizes inner imagination and creative scope even when one appears modest. It challenges us not to underestimate conceptual power.
Quote - “Every drop in the ocean counts.”
This conveys the idea that small acts, contributions or interventions accumulate and matter. For activism and art alike, small moves build momentum.
From the interview “Shaun Leonardo - Performance, Pedagogy, and Philosophy”
Quote - “I found myself seeing these ‘great artworks’ and believing I could achieve that.”
Leonardo reflects on representation and self-belief. Despite being from a background underrepresented in the art world, he internalised that he could also belong. It speaks to education, visibility and identity in art.
Quote - “The workshop, the platform of teaching and learning, is in and of itself the performance.”
Here he blurs the boundary between teaching and performance, suggesting that his socially engaged art/practice is as much about process, participation and movement as it is about a finished piece. It talks about a more process oriented activism.
In class we can use our hands to measure our bodies, how many hands you are. And the tallest and the shortest should apologize to each other.
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