Digitality is prone to the invisibility of labor. This is especially the case when that digital labor is collective; oftentimes, the more collective the effort, the less recognition individual creators receive. This phenomenon is particularly evident in the realm of digital art, where collaborative projects often blur the lines of authorship and credit. Despite this invisibility, the impact of digital art on political movements cannot be denied. From viral social media campaigns to digital illustrations that challenge the status quo, digital art has become a powerful tool for expressing political dissent and sparking social change.
Recently, while browsing in the Museum of Modern Art store in New York, I came across a tote bag with the inscription, “You are no longer allowed to be apolitical.” This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the growing sentiment among artists and creators that art cannot exist in a vacuum separate from the political realities of the world. In today's turbulent times, remaining neutral is often seen as complicity with oppressive systems, prompting many artists to use their platform to advocate for social justice and equality.
When artists turn to activism or introduce politics into a work of art, it's usually taken as something virtuous, an act of conscience on their part. However, the intersection of art and politics is not always met with universal praise. Some critics argue that art should remain purely aesthetic and divorced from political ideologies. Yet, history has shown us that art has always been a powerful tool for challenging authority, questioning societal norms, and advocating for change.
Political action need not inhibit art-making; the two activities are dissimilar, not incompatible. In fact, all art is eventually political. As the carrier of cultural meaning and social commentary, art has the power to shape public discourse, challenge dominant narratives, and inspire collective action. Whether subtle or overt, political themes have always permeated the world of art, reflecting the tumultuous times in which they were created.
They appear to be a direct, and generally quite literal, response to demands for inclusion of Black people within the artistic canon. Lost here is the modernist notion of the artist as a solitary genius, creating works of art in isolation from the social and political realities that shape their world. Instead, art is increasingly seen as a collaborative and inclusive practice, one that is deeply intertwined with the struggles and triumphs of marginalized communities.
“Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it.” — Bertolt Brecht. I participated in a couple of moving protests where artists used their creativity to amplify their message. From powerful murals that depicted the struggles of marginalized communities to performance art that challenged the status quo, these artists used their craft to spark dialogue and provoke action. The beauty of art lies not only in its ability to reflect the world as it is, but in its capacity to imagine a better, more just reality.
From lactating Madonnas to disembodied orbs, a new exhibition surveys the depictions of breasts and asks – what about the women who own them? This provocative exploration of the female body in art challenges traditional notions of beauty, sexuality, and power. By reclaiming their bodies as sites of resistance and empowerment, women artists are reshaping the narratives that have historically defined them.
An excerpt from the Curator's Statement: “The Beauty of Politics: Oscar Bluemner and Luca Molnar showcases the distinct approaches these artists take in exploring the intersection of art and politics. Bluemner's bold use of color and form reflects his deep engagement with the social issues of his time, while Molnar's surrealistic compositions challenge viewers to question their preconceived notions of reality. Together, these artists demonstrate the transformative power of art to inspire change and provoke critical reflection.”
Art generates its own rules of form, which constitute it apart from its material basis. The very idea of the 'artistic' form stands in stark contrast to the rigid structures of politics and governance. Yet, when art and politics intersect, a new realm of possibilities emerges. By harnessing the creative energy of artists and activists, we can shape reality in ways that challenge the status quo and envision a more just and equitable world for all.
