The Art of Activism and the Activism of Art

Since the 2008 financial crisis, artists have become increasingly engaged in cultural activism against capitalism, political authoritarianism, colonial legacies, gentrification, and their own exploitation. The Art of Activism and the Activism of Art explores activist art, its current urgency, and the processes that have given rise to it. Gregory Sholette, an insider and commentator, describes a new wave of activist art taking place among community-based protest groups and professionally trained art practitioners who refuse to respect the conventional borders separating painting from protest. The book proposes that contemporary activist art and art activism constitute a broader paradigm shift that reflects the crisis of contemporary capitalism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: Lund Humphries Publishers Ltd

Since the global financial crash of 2008, artists have taken on a significant role in a diverse range of cultural activism aimed at challenging capitalism, political authoritarianism, colonial legacies, gentrification, and their own exploitation. They have not only engaged in these efforts but have also incorporated and reflected forms of protest into their artistic practices.

The Art of Activism and the Activism of Art is a comprehensive exploration of activist art, examining its current relevance and the historical processes that have nurtured its emergence. Author Gregory Sholette approaches the subject from an unconventional dual perspective, combining the roles of commentator (as a scholar and writer) and insider (as an activist artist). He sheds light on a new wave of activist art that is flourishing not only within community-based protest groups but also among professionally trained artists with MFA degrees, many of whom defy the traditional boundaries between painting and protest, or art and utility.

The book delves into the nuanced distinction between activist art and protest by artists, proposing that contemporary activist art and art activism represent a broader paradigm shift that reflects the crisis of contemporary capitalism. It highlights the ways in which artists are using their creative platforms to raise awareness, advocate for social change, and challenge oppressive systems.

Through a rich collection of essays, interviews, and visual examples, The Art of Activism and the Activism of Art provides a comprehensive examination of the diverse forms of activist art across different genres, cultures, and historical periods. It explores the ways in which artists use their work to challenge power structures, promote social justice, and inspire collective action.

The book also acknowledges the challenges and risks faced by artists who engage in activism, including censorship, surveillance, and political backlash. It advocates for the protection and support of artists who use their art as a tool for social change, and encourages artists to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of artistic expression.

In conclusion, The Art of Activism and the Activism of Art is a vital contribution to the field of art and activism, offering a comprehensive exploration of the ways in which artists are using their creativity to shape a more just and equitable world. It provides a rich source of inspiration and knowledge for artists, activists, and anyone interested in the intersection of art and social change.

Dimension: 200 x 130 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781848224414