Art holds the power to move mountains, which is why it has been used as a form of political activism throughout history. From Pieter Bruegel’s iconic painting of a Dutch revolt against Spanish rule to the protest art sparked by the Black Lives Matter movement, art has served as a platform for protest and social issues. But, what is it about art that makes it so effective in the political sphere and how can we, as citizens, use it as a tool for positive social and political change? In this article, we explore how art can be political, how it serves as political propaganda, and how it can be used as a form of social and/or political commentary.
How is Art Related to Politics?
In his Critique of Judgement, German philosopher Immanuel Kant argued that art is not only influenced by culture and social values, but is often used as a means to shape public consciousness of such values. Art is a vehicle for conveying stories, emotions, symbols, and social values that can have a powerful sway on mass opinion. Here we see art used not only to express personal feelings, but also to advocate for social, cultural, and even political causes in a visually stimulating manner. Whether it is a piece of sculpture, a song, or a painting, art can be used to passionately share an opinion on a current issue or to start a dialogue about an important matter. As such, art can act as an agent of political advocacy.
What is Political Context in Art?
Political context in art is when an artwork is created with the intent of conveying a political message. This can be used to create satirical work in order to criticise authorities and their decisions, or to celebrate revolutionary movements. For instance, the Vietnamese artist Bùi Công Khánh created pieces for a 2019 exhibition called Conflict in Colors. His artwork powerfully expressed the impact of the Vietnam War on the country’s culture and its citizens.
“My artwork is a visual representation of the wars fought by my people. Every canvas contains powerful symbolisms of suffering, trauma and injustice, in a land where the prints of war are still palpable.”
– Bùi Công Khánh
While not all political art is overtly obvious, it nonetheless serves the purpose of delivering a message, or highlighting a salient social, political, or cultural cause in a visually compelling manner.
How Can Art Be Used as Political Propaganda?
Throughout history, art has been used as a powerful tool of manipulation. Hateful and oppressive regimes have used art as a means of instilling their ideas of patriotism and loyalty in the minds of the public, often creating artwork for the sole purpose of advancing their agenda and gaining compliance from their people. Nazi Germany, for example, was notorious for utilizing art in an effort to control public opinion. The state-sponsored art of Adolf Hitler was created as a means of advancing his ideologies and aggrandizing his power by glorifying and romanticizing all things that related to the Nazi Party.
However, it is important to note that political art is not something exclusive to oppressive regimes. Governments, countries, and even movements use art to promote their values, project a certain sense of patriotism, and advance the goals of their message. From the iconic television commercials of Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign to the music videos of Princess Nokia advocating for women’s rights, the reach and power of art as a tool of political propaganda is undeniable.
In What Ways Can Art Be Used as a Form of Political or Social Commentary?
Throughout the ages, artists have used their art as a means of expressing their views on society, politics, and culture. From the politically charged New York East Village Pop Art of the 1980s, to the provocative graffitti of the French Resistance, artists have used their work to comment on the times they live in. Lately, with the advent of social media, artists have a bigger platform to promote their causes, to voice their opinions, and to engage in active dialogue about the current state of society and politics.
Artists today are particularly vocal about issues of social and political justice, equality, and human rights. From Beyonce’s commentaries on misogyny and police brutality to the use of illustration to draw attention to climate change, art is being used more and more as a form of activism. Art, thus, serves not only as a powerful form of communication, but also as a means of prompting social and political change.
Conclusion
Art has been used throughout history as a powerful tool of protest and social advocacy. From the works of iconic artists like Pieter Bruegel, to modern day protest art, art has served as an agent of social and political change. Art can be used as a form of political propaganda or as a platform for voicing opinions and stirring conversations about pertinent issues of the day. Art, thus, has the power to paint a better picture of the world we live in and help to create meaningful change.
References
- Dijs, Monique, Kritiek van het Oordeelkundig Vermogen, Kantl, 2020.
- Bùi Công Khánh, Conflict in Colors, Vision Vietnam, 2019.
- Langenburg, Sarah, Nazi Art, The Art Story, 2020.
- Som, Sonaiya, What Does Social Justice Have to Do with Art?, Artsy, 2018.