Art as a Tool for Political Commentary and Protest
Art has always served as an outlet to express one's perspectives in a way beyond words. It makes sense that art would be used as a tool to protest against topics like war and make social commentary on the state of the world. Through art, you can express how you truly feel and depict the harsh realities for the world to gain new understanding and insights that they may not have found otherwise. Art can inspire in many ways including inspiring political and social change.
BANKSY. Devolved Parliament. 2009. Oil on canvas.
Devolved Parliament by BANKSY is an amazing piece. It is a humorous parody piece, but additionally it depicts BANKSY's perspectives on the British parliament. BANKSY is known for his social commentary and insights into human nature, and the contradictions present within political action. Devolved Parliament is a perfect example of BANKSY's political commentary based art. For this piece BANKSY chose to use a color palette of browns, tans, blacks, greys, and reds. These colors serve to unify the apes and showcase how not one individual is standing out or speaking out but instead choosing to blend in amongst the crowd. The utilization of space in this piece serves to unify as well, the crowd of apes makes it even more clear that there isn't one individual intended to stand out or be different. This illustrates how BANKSY perceives the lack of action within the British parliament.
Picasso, Pablo. Guernica, 1937. Oil on canvas. Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina. Sofía, Madrid.
Pablo Picasso's painting Guernica is possibly one of the most well-known anti-war works of art. This piece was created in response to the bombing of the Basque town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War. This piece is powerful and jarring, it is meant to showcase the horrors of war and the impacts it has on civilians. Picasso's choice to depict exaggerated forms of human and animal figures full of anguish emphasizes the brutality of war. The angular fragmented shapes showcase the disarray and chaos of war. I think this work of art is truly stunning and Picasso's ability to fill a canvas with so much emotion is a talent in itself.
Armitage, Michael. The Promised Land. 2019
Michael Armitage uses vibrant color and powerful symbolism to depict this scene of protest and highlight issues of oppression, political corruption, and social injustice. The elements of color and shape create a chaotic and fragmented appearance in The Promised Land. When I initially viewed this piece, I found it to be a little overwhelming. There are so many details and symbolic images, as I look at it now, I still notice new details that I hadn't previously. The detail that stands out to me the most is the figures in the tear gas that are overcoming the three people running.
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ReplyDeleteI really like the focus you have made in your pollical and social change.
ReplyDeleteI likes the strong work from Guernica and Picassos use in the shapes and figures. In the promised land I like the overwhelming detail and the symbolism that can make it a piece with different viewings.
I think the promised land does have a good way that uses texture, I like Armitage's layering that helps with the movement also.