“We must never forget art is not a form of propaganda; it is a form of truth.” -John F. Kennedy
Some might say that the world is a mess right now. Others point out that it could be worse. In our war torn world, it depends on who you are and the place that you live. In light of the ever-growing list of crises crossing all borders and cultures, the work of mobilized arts groups is on the rise. Artist activists are telling their story and being heard all around the world. They are addressing the escalation of violence, human rights violations, and environmental concerns. Throughout history, art has reflected its time. Art mirrors the aesthetic standard of the day and also provides a window into the historical context of the time. Works such as Andy Warhol’s, Big Electric Chair or Picasso’s Guernica serve as iconic reminders and powerful statements on social issues of their time. Artists often see their place to provoke, to voice, to enlighten. This long-standing role of the artist as activist is at the heart of ourMaster Your Story and Learn How to Tell It episode four “The power of Art and Activists featuring Norberto Dominquez.”
In this episode Norberto talks about the use of inner city mural art to not only convey messages but to bring a community together. Norberto walks us through the works of famous Philadelphia visual artists, muralist and community activist, Michelle Angela Ortiz. Learn the steps artists take to get their story heard.