Art and Activism: How Can We Communicate Uncomfortable Topics Without Using Our Voice?

I originally started this platform as a way to talk and learn about the important societal issues which surround us on a daily basis. From police brutality to discrimination in the workplace, we see marginalized communities face the struggles that no human being should ever have to face. In my eyes, all problems created in our society are not natural, but instead built upon the ignorance many humans possess. Though I am only 16, I realize now that all of us, as much as we may deny it, have implicit biases. For example, I as an Indian-American girl am not going to have the same experiences or opinions as a White-American man. The only way to unite as a community is for individuals to try and understand the perspectives of others. Furthermore, we need to acknowledge our differences and work together to uplift one another. One way I think is powerful and effective to do this is through Artistic Activism.

Artistic Activism. A dynamic practice combining the creative power of the arts to move us emotionally with the strategic planning of activism necessary to bring about social change (libguides.com).

From a young age, my aunt, Avantika Bawa, had always tried to expose me to the world of art. Of course, as a 7 year old, I wasn't truly able to comprehend the meaning or power of certain pieces. It wasn't until I started learning about art in my French class, that I actually began to appreciate what it can do for people. The minute you look at a piece of art and try to understand the artist's intent, you immediately diverge yourself into a world that is unknown to you. For example, Van Gogh's "Starry Night". Millions of people around the world look and admire this work of art, and at the same time we are all looking through the same perspective of another person. To me, that is something extremely powerful. Further, the popularization of a painting or artwork proves that humans are able to acknowledge different perspectives and learn something through other people's experiences. There are many artists that are utilizing Artistic Activism as way to eliminate hate and ignorance.

Ai Weiwei.

Ai Weiwei is a Chinese contemporary artist and activist. One of his most famous instillations, "Sunflower Seeds", symbolizes the Communist leader, Chairman Mao. More specifically, the piece "examines the complex exchanges" between an individual person and overall society (tate.org)

©Ali Weiwei

Kehinde Wiley

Wiley is an American Artist and Activist. One of his most famous portraits is "Anthony of Padua". The piece utilizes the stained glass window of Saint Anthony in the Chapelle Saint-Ferdinand and portrays an African-American man on it. The patches on the man's jacket signify the Black Panther Party, a political organization which held principles of Black Nationalism and self-defense against police brutality. The piece meshes together the qualities of christianity and religion with the ideals of empowerment and equality.

©Kehinde Wiley