Post 3: What is Art Activism? CTF

 Reading Responses

The Art of Activism: 

"...the phrase "stepping off the curb" refers to the moment that one leaves the sidewalk and enters the street to join a protest, but in a broader sense it means making the step from passive indifference into active engagement" (page16).

  The first act I remember, it's not exactly stepping off the curb, I think. It was in elementary school when teachers would call out, "Three strong boys to carry this." I would always volunteer, even if they didn't pick me. Something about it just always pissed me off. But in my middle school, I learned about the LGBTQ+ community and felt passionate about it, even later realizing I wasnt just an ally but a part of it. Regardless, I made an active effort to be a part of clubs or keep myself updated on the community and its issues. I engaged in more human rights issues, especially learning correct history, participating in signing petitions, attending events, reposing videos or messages, speaking out, and sharing informative learning, and tried to get uncomfortable as much as possible, especially throughout high school and college. 

"Facts areimportant, and truth should be the foundation of our analysis, our actions, and the worlds we create. But facts and truth dont speak for themselves. They need to be made into symbols snd incorperated into stories that people can make sense of and care about. They need our help"(page.24-25).

How I interpreted this information is to let us ask why art and media are important when it comes to activism. This is also the reason why media and representation matter too-- for example, someone can read or have a conversation about a certain topic like transness, but they dont personally experience it, so having media or art that is more immersive and gives you a perspective, someone may become more empathetic and see, feel, this perspective being shown. I hope this makes sense, but not everyone can read something and fully grasp it. Sometimes people are more visual; that's where art comes into play. 

An Introduction to Activist Art:

    "When a referendum to legalize abortion in Portugal failed in 1998, the artist created a series of paintings that highlighted the fear, pain, and danger of illegal abortions. Her artworks had a great impact and were partly responsible for changing public opinion in favor of legalized abortions during the second referendum in 2007"(para.7).

This is talking about artist Paula Rego and her abortion series, which showcased women in the process of getting an unsafe abortion. This outright pointed out the fear and trauma that women have faced having unsafe abortions, and why safe abortions are so important to have; it's more than a procedure, but a person's life. 

"When the public is looking away from suffering that could be prevented or does not want to be confronted with it, activist art often creates a dialogue and forces people to think about these problems"(para. 8).

    Activism can be many things, not just in protests or speaking out against issues, but it can also be something similar to ads, something you will eventually face in public. As stated, "Ai Weiwei’s Soleil Levant, 2017, publicly discussed the dangerous journey of refugees trying to reach Europe. The installation consisted of 3500 lifejackets worn by refugees who had to cross the sea. While they prevented many people from drowning, others were provided with fake lifejackets and died on their way to Europe"(para.8). To raise awareness of what happened, Ai Weiwei turned to art to display that message and have it be seen by those who may have tried to ignore it or downplay it, cause sadly that does happen.        

Eight Artists Using Their Creativity to Drive Activism:   

"Through his kaleidoscopic installations, which tend to use the natural elements such as air and water, he unravels the invisible threads binding humans and nature — reminding us of our profound interconnectedness and calling for urgent action for earth's protection"(para. 16). 

     Environmental artist Olafur Eliasson pushes for awareness of nature in his work, using earth elements like glass, wind, light, and water. He does this to ground people, bringing them back to the consciousness that they are on this earth too, and with that, they must care for it. 

                    

"With her needle and thread, she weaves intricate embroideries that defy traditional notions of femininity. It invites viewers to question and reimagine societal expectations. Her bold and vibrant paintings redefine the concept of the nude, presenting the female form as a symbol of strength and liberation"(Para.11).

Artist Ghada Amer is an equal rights activist, and art is another way to push the boundaries that try to label women, but also push those boundaries for herself. Within each work of art is a piece of ourselves. She breaks the norms of concealing sensuality for women, using tools such as thread, which can be considered a feminine tool, to make this statement. Bending what is traditionally associated with women to push them further rather hidner them. 

What is Art Activism?

• Among the list that we had gone over in class, three ways that activism has been done within my community are:
•  1. Throughout the art building, when ICE started to get worse, there were red cards (which read your rights if an ICE agent came up to you or anyone) for students or staff to take; they also posted up some around the building, so if anything, students were prepared.
• 2. Many peers I know will repost stories or any information given on an issue, so we are always trying to stay informed on what's actually happening in and outside of our communities.
•  3. Donating and buying stuff mindfully, there is a site called Chnge, and on that website, they promote ethical clothing, and when you buy a shirt, say it's for a cause like against ICE or Gaza, they will donate straight to that cause. My favorite has been my Irish/Palestine Pin and my "All my Homies Hate ICE" shirt. 
• Art activism is simply "AEffect..Actvism-Effect...Art-Affect."(pg.29). Activism moves the material world while art expresses it. SO art may show and create the emotion and visual of the act, but it pushes the viewer into an action of activism, sometimes.