Art as Rebellion
Yesterday I created a post for my IG account, stating that I wouldn’t be talking about my post card club due to the events of the day. I also made it very clear how I feel about the administration and ICE. I lost some followers, a couple of friends and a family member. It kind of upset me, but I figured good riddance.
After I calmed myself down and regulated my emotions (I am a highly anxious and sensitive person, so this isn’t always easy), I began to think about what I do. Photography. Creating art. How does this fit in to what is happening in the world?
I realized that I try not to take up space. I leave the “talking” to people who are more articulate than me. I do not want to be in the way.
But, listen, I think it’s time my voice is heard. I think it’s time to take up space.
Then, I realized that art can be a form of rebellion.
Looking back through history, art played a role in all of the world’s upheaval.
John F. Kennedy recognized the importance of art by calling it “the great democrat, calling forth creative genius from every sector of society”. He said that a nation’s strength is reflected in it’s art.
Further, he said “When power leads men towards arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the areas of man’s concerns, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses”
Additionally, he stated “The arts incarnate the creativity of a free people.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt linked art to democracy.
Lyndon Johnson signed the acts creating the National Endowment for the Arts, stating “Art is a nation’s most precious heritage”
Barack Obama said “The nation’s creative spirit is critical to its ideals and it’s identity.”
There are so many more powerful statements that I could quote, but the point is that reading these quote became a powerful beacon for me.
I realized that creating art is, in itself, a form of rebellion. It means I will not cave to my anxiety and fear. I will not be cemented into not creating. They can not take away my ability to create art. Creating art is another consciousness wanting to be considered.
The image I am featuring was created way back in November, but I remember exactly what I was feeling when I looked at this piece of street art. Today, it seems more somber than when I first saw it.
