Yesterday’s article about sidewalk chalking is an example of using art to promote justice.
Over the years I’ve found many opportunities to support justice with my photography. Once my offer to take photos of justice actions is known, I’m often invited to come to justice events for that purpose, and gladly do so.
I use my photos in my nearly daily blog posts. Sometimes the photos are more powerful or effective than the writing. What follows is an abbreviated timeline of projects where I’ve used photography in several ways.
Also below are links to some free, amazing graphics that you are encouraged to share with others.
Kheprw Institute (Indianapolis)
At the Kheprw Institute (KI), being invited to teach photography to the youth there was an opportunity to support KI in a concrete way.
Pipelines
I took many photos related to activism to stop climate devastation from fossil fuels. Including the Keystone Pledge of Resistance, The Dakota Access pipeline resistance, the Coastal GasLink pipeline resistance, and carbon capture pipelines.
You can see of some of those photos related to the Keystone pipeline resistance here: https://tinyurl.com/KeystoneResistance
My friend Derek Glass and I used some of those photos in a video about the Keystone Pipeline resistance.
Great Plains Action Society
I’ve taken a lot of photos at gatherings of the Great Plains Action Society (GPAS).
But one of the reasons I wanted to write about art today is because GPAS just posted a link to the amazing works of art they have created.
We are so excited to share out our newly created Free Art Page! Over the years we have given away thousands of posters with powerful messaging and many, many folks have asked us how they could access our art online. The answer has always been that it’s an in person thing only and you just got to be in the right place at the right time. But, not anymore! All the art on our new page is free to download and print anywhere you are in the world!
Devastation of Gaza
I’ve been writing a lot about the devastation and genocide occurring in Gaza as we speak on my blog unflinching.
I’ve found an amazing website, Visualizing Palestine, which offers an great collection of art related to Palestine. Many of the posters are infographics, a great way to display complex concepts visually. These images are also licensed to be freely distributed by Creative Commons licensing.
Art as Activism: The Role of Artists in Addressing Social and Political Issues
Art has long been a powerful tool for expressing and challenging societal norms, sparking conversations, and advocating for change. Artists throughout history have played a significant role in addressing social and political issues, using their creative voices to raise awareness, provoke thought, and inspire action. In this article, we will explore the vital role of artists as activists, discussing how art can serve as a catalyst for social change and contribute to shaping a more inclusive and equitable world.
- Giving Voice to the Marginalized
- Creating Empathy and Building Bridges
- Challenging the Dominant Narrative
- Sparking Conversations and Awareness
- Inspiring Collective Action
- Cultivating Hope and Resilience
Artistic expressions such as protest posters, murals, performances, and public demonstrations serve as rallying points, galvanizing individuals to stand up for their rights and advocate for justice. Artists can actively participate in grassroots movements, working alongside activists and community organizers to effect tangible change.
Artists have a unique and vital role in addressing social and political issues. Through their creative expressions, they shed light on marginalized voices, challenge the dominant narrative, spark conversations, inspire action, and cultivate hope. By utilizing art as a medium for activism, artists contribute to shaping a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate world. Let us celebrate and support artists who fearlessly use their talents to advocate for social change, for their work is a testament to the power of art as activism.
Art as Activism: The Role of Artists in Addressing Social and Political Issues
unflinching 