Activism through Art | Post Modern

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Activism Through Art


Activism has been represented through several forms of media; it can be done through protests, performances, and music genres, but what I find to be the most profound form of activism is through art. The reason why I think this way is because of how memorable an image is to me. I believe that when a piece of artwork conveys a certain message, it transcends through history. Art tells us about the political, economic, and social state of the world. When this occurs, art becomes a memory within an image, it’s personal, and it speaks to you. The artists that I will be discussing are individuals who have not only inspired my creativity, but also educated me on issues that needed to be addressed.


Norman Rockwell


Rockwell, N. (1943) ‘Rosie the Riveter’ (Left). Stockbridge, MA: Norman Rockwell Museum
Rockwell, N. (1965) ‘Murder in Mississippi’ (Right). Stockbridge, MA: Norman Rockwell Museum

I’ve always considered Norman Rockwell's artwork to be one of the best art styles I’ve ever seen. Despite being stylistic, it's able to blend a perfect mix between realism and childish characteristics. This is one of the reasons why I admire his pieces; it’s distinct and iconic. Another reason is that he's also able to present challenging social issues in a straightforward manner through his style, while his other works are often fun and silly. His pieces range from documenting racial violence and injustice to paying tribute to the hard work of women during times of war (Conrads & Harris, 2018). Both works are emotionally compelling, not just because of the history behind them, but for their ability to evoke deep emotional responses and allow a deeper conversation. "Murder in Mississippi" is somber and vicious in its rendering of tragedy, while "Rosie the Riveter" is optimistic, lively, and inspiring (Raverty, 2020). While both works were highly associated with issues of their times, they were a reaction to different aspects of American history. Both works contribute to the responsibility of the individual to effect social change (WashU Libraries, 2016).


Keith Harring


Haring, K. (1982) ‘Ignorance = Fear’ (Left). New York, NY: Keith Haring Foundation
Haring, K. (1989) ‘Radiant Baby’ (Right). New York, NY: Keith Haring Foundation

Keith Haring's “Radiant Baby” and “Ignorance = Fear” are distinct in Haring’s use of bold, graphic lines and vivid colors but convey messages with the help of differing symbols, themes, and styles. “Radiant Baby” shows hope, innocence, and the potential of humanity, as the radiating lines surrounding the baby indicate purity and the potential of new beginnings, creating a sense of optimism (Scorer, 2023). “Ignorance = Fear”, conversely, uses 'X' marks to symbolize the dangers of ignorance as it spreads awareness of the AIDS epidemic during the 1980s and 1990s (Jackson, 2019). The writing warns that not knowing increases fear, stigma, and silence, which is ultimately destructive in many societies. The subjects of both works are great examples of activism. What I enjoy most about Haring’s style is that it’s almost universal, simple to remember, and easy to understand. One piece encourages positivity, while the other critiques ignorance in society and calls for awareness of the AIDS outbreak. 


Banksy


Banksy. (2005) ‘Show me the Monet’. London, UK: Banksy

“Show Me the Monet” is one of my favorite Banksy pieces because of his twist on Claude Monet's beautiful and peaceful “Water Lilies”. In Banksy’s recreation, he replaces Monet's tranquil water gardens with an urban twist where shopping carts litter the water and a traffic cone floats along with the lilies. It's a critique of consumerism and environmental devastation that’s been a prevalent issue (Syer, 2024). “Follow Your Dreams, Cancelled” is another one of his works that critiques modern society and its obsession with achievement, ambition, and corporate-endorsed pursuit of happiness. Banksy, in this piece, is talking about how society encourages the idea that hard work and dreams will always lead to success. However, the piece suggests that the system will keep individuals from ever realizing their potential or achieving their desires (Higgs, 2018). Both pieces critique consumerist culture and how today's culture commercializes personal ambition and dreams. I admire how Banksy can speak about modern problems and keep his identity a secret even with all of the publicity. I believe that because of this, people are more inclined to listen to his artwork, which makes it all the more impactful.


Banksy. (2006) ‘Follow Your Dreams, Cancelled’. London, UK: Banksy


Works Cited

Conrads, M. and Harris, B. (2018) Norman Rockwell, Rosie the Riveter, Smarthistory. Available at: https://smarthistory.org/seeing-america-2/norman-rockwell-rosie-the-riveter-sa/ (Accessed: 17 April 2025).

Higgs, C. (2018) ‘Follow your dreams, cancelled’-banksy analysis, Charis’ Fine Art Blog. Available at: https://myfineartdotblog.wordpress.com/2018/09/23/follow-your-dreams-cancelled-banksy-analysis/ (Accessed: 17 April 2025).

Jackson, K. (2019) The symbolism of the baby in Keith Haring’s work, ArtDependence. Available at: https://www.artdependence.com/articles/the-symbolism-of-the-baby-in-keith-haring-s-work/ (Accessed: 17 April 2025).

Raverty, D. (2020) Norman Rockwell’s realism: ‘murder in Mississippi’, The Living Church. Available at: https://livingchurch.org/church-life/norman-rockwells-social-realism-murder-in-mississippi/ (Accessed: 17 April 2025).

Scorer, F. (2023) Keith Haring’s radiant baby: A symbol transcending art and religion: MyArtBroker: Article, MyArtBroker. Available at: https://www.myartbroker.com/artist-keith-haring/articles/radiant-baby-a-symbol-transcending-art-and-religion (Accessed: 17 April 2025).

Syer, J. (2024) Show me the £7.5m: ‘show me the Monet’ becomes one of banksy’s record sales, MyArtBroker. Available at: https://www.myartbroker.com/artist-banksy/articles/spotlight-on-banksys-show-me-the-monet (Accessed: 17 April 2025).

WashU Libraries (2016) Norman Rockwell and Race: Complicating Rockwell’s legacy, WashU Libraries. Available at: https://library.washu.edu/news/norman-rockwell-and-race-complicating-rockwells-legacy/ (Accessed: 17 April 2025).


Comments

  1. Bryan LillyApril 21, 2025 at 1:44 PM

    Hey!

    Your blog's engaging and insightful content captured my attention. The combination of Rockwell's illustrative realism with Haring's bold minimalism and Banksy's subversive street art most attracted me because they all deliver strong activist messages through their unique styles. The diverse artistic approaches created an exhibit experience full of emotional depth. Your interpretation of "Murder in Mississippi" stood out because of the compelling emotional and historical aspects you brought into focus.

    The activist theme stood out clearly throughout all artist sections, while your connections between visual elements and political or social messages resonated with me. Your analysis of Keith Haring's "Ignorance = Fear" was exactly right. The work presents itself as straightforward yet delivers an urgent message that takes on new importance when viewed through the lens of the AIDS crisis.

    Access to art as a form of activism is crucial in its effectiveness. Haring's art remains powerful because its memorable style allows complete understanding without any art education background. That same accessibility applies to Banksy, too. Public access to street art beyond conventional gallery spaces helps democratize activist messages.

    Your blog demonstrates that visual art is an educational tool and catalyzes action. You have done an excellent job combining all aspects with impressive clarity and passion!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Savannah FlemingApril 22, 2025 at 7:01 PM

    I really loved your post! Your discussion of Keith Haring's "ignorance = Fear/Silence = Death" really stood out to me. The way Haring uses bold colors to address the AIDS crisis is so creative and powerful. I also found Banksy's "Show Me the Monet" fascinating; it cleverly critiques the art world while highlighting environmental issues. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete

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