Exploring the connection between art and social change
Most people believe that art is just for personal enjoyment, while a few others may recognize art as a form of activism or social change. However, the truth is that many artists use their work to make a statement and have the power to influence mindsets by creating certain pieces. In his article entitled “Artists Who Matter: Artists Who Push Social Change”, Kevin Kalhorn reveals the various ways in which artists can be used as catalysts for social change and how they are continually pushing boundaries in an effort to effect positive changes in society.
The following paragraphs reveal the role that artists play in their cause. In one of his numerous articles entitled “Art, Activism and Social Change”, the author Kevin Kalhorn discusses how art can be used as a form of activism and social change. He also lists various examples where different artists have been instrumental in making a difference worldwide. The article further provides resources about each of the individuals categorized to make it easier for people to learn more about them.
While many people may think that artists are just for entertainment, they are also very much involved in social issues such as activism and social change. Kevin Kalhorn provides the following list of artists who have made a difference by promoting various causes, and how they have been instrumental in making a difference worldwide:
Pablo Picasso- He played an important role in the development of modern art during his time. He has paved the way for artists to use their talent in order to make a difference. His revolutionary approach to art has influenced how other artists style their work. Pablo Picasso is also famous for his anti-war artworks which he created during World War I and World War II.
Claes Oldenburg- This iconic artist has had a significant influence in the art world. He is known for using various media such as latex, fiberglass, and Cor-ten steel to create his satirical artworks that are political and often social commentary. Some of his most famous works include “Clothespin” and the “Spin Cycles”.
Andres Serrano- Andres Serrano is one of New York's best-known artists who have been focusing on social issues such as immigration, poverty, and urban violence through their art. He has created numerous controversial artworks that have often stirred debate among people.
Gianni Motti- Gianni Motti is a renowned artist who has conceptualized and painted many landmark pieces that can be seen in museums such as the V&A in London. His work includes "Folding Chair" which portrays the violence of rapid urbanization from an environmental angle, and "Forney" where he criticizes modern architecture, as well as some of his other famous works collected by major museum. Gianni Motti is also one of the very few artists whose works have been bought by major museums due to their social messages.
Cindy Sherman- Cindy Sherman is a prominent feminist artist who is best known for her photographic works that often mimic famous Hollywood movies. She has played a significant role in the Fine Art world by creating surreal and often controversial works. She has had a major impact on the art scene of New York because she has used her work to highlight some of the social issues that women face, such as society’s obsession with youth and beauty.
Wangechi Mutu- This contemporary visual artist is one of the few women artists who have been making strides in the contemporary art world. Her work focuses on addressing numerous important political topics, such as HIV/AIDS, gender equality, race relations, and social inequalities. Some of her famous works include "The Moment of Surrender" and "Mothers and Daughters".
Diane Arbus- Diane Arbus is one of the most influential artists who have contributed to photography, film, performance, and new media throughout their careers. Her work often used a documentary approach to portraiture, and she has portrayed various people from different walks of life in a unique way. Her photographs are also known for their social commentary on society.
Francis Bacon- Francis Bacon is considered as one of the most influential painters who has played a significant role in art history by revolutionizing modern art. He is known for his dark and disturbing portraits which made him a strong influence in the development of postmodern art. He has been influential in the development of pop art with his calligraphic and painterly style. Some of his famous works include "Study after Velázquez's Portrait of Pope Innocent X" and "Study after Velázquez's Portrait of Pope Innocent X".
Lucy Skaer- Lucy Skaer is a Scottish visual artist who is known for her unique approach to modern painting while using the artistic motifs from Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism, and Post-Impressionism. She is best known for her piece named "Unveiling the Face of the Earth," which represents a social commentary on environmental issues.
Francis Bacon- Francis Bacon was one of the most influential painters who had a profound impact on modern art history by revolutionizing post-modernism. He was also one of post-modernist painters, and he is known for his dark, disturbing portraits which made him a strong influence in the development of modern art. He has also influenced pop art with his calligraphic and painterly style. Some of his famous works include "Study after Velázquez's Portrait of Pope Innocent X" and "Study after Velázquez's Portrait of Pope Innocent X".
Maurizio Cattelan- This Italian artist is considered as one of the most influential artists in the art scene and in the contemporary art market. His artwork often challenges society by using a political approach through satire and social criticism. Some of his famous works include "Balloon Dog", "Fake" which satirizes the use of religion to sell products, and "Titled" which focuses on commercialism.
Marilyn Minter- Marilyn Minter is well known for her use of African-American culture and themes in her work. Her works focus on issues such as race, feminism, and homosexuality through African-American sources.
Conclusion
Artists play an important role in society by expressing their concerns, as well as their solutions to various social problems and issues. They are also a famous and popular way of making a difference. This is because they influence the minds of people through the beauties of art in such a way that they can take action on pressing issues. Art has the power to bring people together, while at the same time it can represent political ideologies and social movements, such as feminism, communism, Imperialism etc. Artists have been known to create powerful artworks that can inspire political movements or lead the way in terms of social change throughout history.