The Humble Warrior

Yet more in this flurry of posts today - not having a sudden eureka moment or anything I am just finding time to type up all the notes stored digitally, bits of paperly and memorially and putting them all here together ready to be stitched into the quilt that is my reflective practice.

I started doing yoga again in Spring having not engaged much since Bikram on Kastanien Allee in Berlin quite a few years ago now. It filled a welcome gap in my physical and mental well being practice since moving to the sticks and not having a gym nearby. ‘Shtira sukham asanam’ describes a healthy balance between effort and ease, which rings true in other aspects of life, not least art making. The Humble Warrior is such a strong stance requiring clarity, stability and power in balance with vulnerability and acceptance. It is hard to do and even harder to maintain as the quads start to wobble and lose faith, balance and focus waver and the core begins to question itself. I feel this way often in my reaching towards understanding of what it means to make art and the function, if any, that I fulfil in the work I make.

The purpose of drawing and art is forming the basis not only of my meandering curiosity but increasingly critical to my research paper: what might the function of drawing be? I have blogged before about my weariness around art activism where it does not come from a place of patience, kindness and joy. In the words of Rory Pilgrim here - who needs this art and where is it going? As part of the Dead Critics group we have been mulling over where art can galvanise change and is there genuine potential for mind changing through art and if so how? The Art of Social Change

The portmanteau of ‘Artivism’ instantly grates but it’s a thing and relevant to my curiosity. Art for art’s sake on one end of the arty stick and artivism at the other, perhaps.

Research findings:

Artivism is a term used to describe activism that is expressed through art forms such as music, painting, poetry, or other creative outlets. It combines elements of art and activism to address social, political, or environmental issues and inspire change. Artivism can take many forms, from protests using performance art to murals advocating for human rights. It is a powerful tool for conveying messages and sparking conversations about important causes.

Furthermore I asked ChatGPT what evidence there is for art’s efficacy in initiating social change:

Yes, there is evidence that art activism can be effective at initiating social change, though its impact can be difficult to measure directly. Art activism, which combines artistic expression with political or social activism, has been used throughout history to challenge power structures, raise awareness, and mobilize communities. Here are some ways in which art activism has proven effective:

1. Raising Awareness and Shifting Public Perception:

• Visual Impact: Art can convey complex social issues in accessible and emotionally resonant ways, often reaching audiences that might not engage with traditional political discourse. For instance, the iconic “Hope” poster of Barack Obama by Shepard Fairey became a symbol of optimism and change during the 2008 U.S. presidential campaign, significantly influencing public perception.

• Highlighting Injustice: Art can bring attention to social injustices and marginalized communities. For example, the AIDS Memorial Quilt, initiated in the 1980s, played a crucial role in humanizing the AIDS epidemic, shifting public attitudes, and advocating for greater attention and funding.

2. Mobilizing Communities:

• Creating Unity: Art can bring people together around a shared cause, fostering a sense of community and collective identity. The mural movement in Los Angeles, which emerged in the 1970s, helped unify and empower Latino communities by celebrating their cultural heritage and addressing social issues like inequality and discrimination.

• Grassroots Movements: Art has been a powerful tool in grassroots movements, helping to galvanize and sustain momentum. The feminist art movement of the 1970s, exemplified by works like Judy Chicago’s The Dinner Party, played a pivotal role in the broader women’s rights movement by challenging patriarchal narratives and celebrating women’s achievements.

3. Influencing Policy and Institutional Change:

• Direct Action: Some art activism has directly influenced policy or led to institutional change. The Guerrilla Girls, an anonymous group of feminist artists, used provocative posters and performances to expose gender and racial inequality in the art world. Their work led to increased awareness and, in some cases, changes in museum practices and exhibition policies.

• Long-term Cultural Change: While art activism often operates outside traditional political channels, it can contribute to long-term cultural shifts that eventually influence policy. The civil rights movement, for example, was heavily supported by music, visual arts, and literature that challenged segregation and racism, contributing to significant legislative changes like the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

4. Sustained Engagement and Dialogue:

• Provoking Discussion: Art often sparks conversation and critical reflection, which are essential for social change. Ai Weiwei, a Chinese contemporary artist and activist, uses his art to critique government corruption and human rights abuses in China, fostering global discussions on these issues.

• Long-Term Influence: The impact of art activism can be cumulative, with repeated exposure to certain themes gradually shifting societal norms and values. For instance, the Black Lives Matter movement has been supported by numerous artistic expressions—murals, performances, music—that have helped sustain the movement’s visibility and influence over time.

5. Case Studies and Research:

• Empirical Evidence: Some studies have explored the impact of art on social movements. Research has shown that art can increase empathy and understanding, which are crucial for fostering social change. For example, a study on the influence of political cartoons found that they can effectively communicate political messages and influence public opinion.

While the impact of art activism can be challenging to quantify, historical and contemporary examples demonstrate that it can play a vital role in raising awareness, changing perceptions, and even influencing policy. The effectiveness of art activism often lies in its ability to engage people emotionally, create a shared experience, and inspire action, even if the results are not always immediate.