“We can’t do anything to change the world until capitalism crumbles. In the meantime we should all go shopping to console ourselves” – Banksy
Social justice is an expression and action that comes in many forms, art being one that is often overlooked. This month we highlight some artists whose work is a comment on some current social justice and sociological issues.
One of the richest forms of social comment in the world today is the activist art and anti media movement that looks to highlight the huge amount of advertising we are exposed to everyday. Research tends to say that we are exposed to anywhere from 600-3000 individual adverts in a day. Activist art has given a voice to the constant imagery of consumption and logo’s that bombard our world. Artists such as Banksy have used images to protest against issues such as the Israeli West Bank ‘Barrier’ and the massive implementation of CCTV in modern cities. Art has had a rich history of comment on social issues such as the Vietnam War, Gay Rights Movement, Materialism and Spirituality/Religion.
Some Key Artists
Check out some of the links below
“Artists use lies to tell the truth, Politicians use lies to hide the truth” – Alan Moore
Videos
Links
Adbusters “We are a global network of culture jammers and creatives working to change the way information flows, the way corporations wield power, and the way meaning is produced in our society”
Banksy UK street artist
Action Through Art That art be reclaimed as an instrument of social change. That artists and community organizers work collectively to un-brand the cultural commons and rediscover the power of performance.
Artists without Boarders is a nonprofit, international humanitarian organization, whose objective is to provide relief to victims of war while promoting the work of talented artists.
No Logo There’s a bad mood rising against the corporate brands. No Logo is the warning on the label.