The Relationship Between Art and Activism
We are the generation of change.
How many times have you heard that? Probably too many; maybe it's true, or perhaps we were just stuck in one of the most polarizing political climates we’ve seen, and we have no choice. Regardless, our generation is amidst such drastic political change; we can not ignore it. We must embrace it. However, it can be hard to commit your time to one of the many social issues at hand, especially as a student. So, we are told that we must make a change and then given little guidance to get involved within our communities without actively going to protest, sitting in on council and board meetings, signing petitions, etc. We are not told there are other ways to project our voice of social change that are still incredibly respected. Such as art.
Art has been pivotal in social change for decades, and the unspoken relationship between art and activism needs attention. Making signs at protests: art. Creating songs and chants: art. Taking photographs of political topics: also art. Art evokes emotion; it pulls at your heartstrings and makes you rethink aspects of our world or lives. Whereas activism’s goal is to make change with direct action. These two elements seem to fit into two different categories though if melded into one viewpoint, they complement each other effortlessly. Activism is a slow, demanding process that lies within the material world. Its effects may not be seen for decades, yet it is still crucial to advance as a society. Utilizing art in the discourse of activism enables emotion to assist in the cause. Affect leads to Effect.
During the Second Wave of Feminism in 1960, art in the form of activism helped lead the movement, and feminist art was born. San Francisco was a prominent space for artists to unite and share an artistic space to propel change. Poetry was an essential medium employed during this time, collecting a following of writers throughout the West Coast. Third World writers were particularly highlighted due to the lack of representation within the Second Wave Feminist movement, allowing a platform for those whose voices were silenced, through art. The prominence of diversity invited other creatives to join an effective movement while producing creative material for the individual's livelihood. The feminist art movement inspired difficult conversations through the use of art and was inviting to women of all different backgrounds. These are the types of movements that made an impact, and art acted as the ringleader.
Art, whether poetry, paintings, songs, or other mediums, attaches to human emotions, allowing activism to impact those digesting the information significantly. As a student, I hardly find time to support causes that I am passionate about. With classes, extra circulars, and job hunting, I barely have free time, though I need to involve myself further in political change. Art as an outlet allows people to dive into movements and participate with open arms. Without political jargon and overly opinionated conversationalists, creative freedom sanctions individual interpretation. Art and activism as a singular entity has proven to be effective in the past and needs to be involved in conversation within protest, activism, and change.
We are the generation of change, and furthering our impact on the world through art has proven powerful and successful.
Instagram: @mayseerussell
References:
Duncombe, Stephen, and Steve Lambert. “Why Artistic Activism?” The Center for Artistic Activism, 22 June 2022, https://c4aa.org/2018/04/why-artistic-activism.
Vincent, Stephen, and Ellen Zweig. “The New Diversity - The Early 1970s.” FOUNDSF, 1981, https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=The_New_Diversity%E2%80%94The_Early_1970s.
Cover image courtesy of Pinterest.