Protest or Propaganda Project
Political Art
“Most, if not all works of art can be understood in social and political terms. Politics in the context of an exhibition needs to be defined. If it is understood as the active exercise of power in relation to a society or to a particular group of people, then the function of the artist is to articulate, examine and criticize that relationship. The question is, why criticize through static personal images, a form of communication that is seemingly passé; a means of communication that speaks to a very select audience. I have heard numerous artists say that political image making has no effect, and is therefore useless. However, making images that are both a reaction to power, as well as the essence of an individual's creative gesture, gives each individual a voice, like no other form of expression. It is the essence of freedom; and the significance of these images is not reduced because of the modesty of their direct effect on events. That is not their ultimate role. Art does not have to change the circumstance to have unique validity. Its validity and significance comes in power being both confronted and individualized. It produces a testament of individual perception, personal experience, criticism, hope, and anger.”
-except from Hugh Merrill.
“Most, if not all works of art can be understood in social and political terms. Politics in the context of an exhibition needs to be defined. If it is understood as the active exercise of power in relation to a society or to a particular group of people, then the function of the artist is to articulate, examine and criticize that relationship. The question is, why criticize through static personal images, a form of communication that is seemingly passé; a means of communication that speaks to a very select audience. I have heard numerous artists say that political image making has no effect, and is therefore useless. However, making images that are both a reaction to power, as well as the essence of an individual's creative gesture, gives each individual a voice, like no other form of expression. It is the essence of freedom; and the significance of these images is not reduced because of the modesty of their direct effect on events. That is not their ultimate role. Art does not have to change the circumstance to have unique validity. Its validity and significance comes in power being both confronted and individualized. It produces a testament of individual perception, personal experience, criticism, hope, and anger.”
-except from Hugh Merrill.
Printmaking (and Art in general) has a long history of political activism. Because of its visual graphic nature, ease of production and low cost, prints were readily made for mass communication. From artists such as Daumier, to Manet, Goya, to more contemporary artists like Sue Coe.
The primary goal of this project is to respond visually to a current event or issue of your choice. You will start with information you gather from TV, newspapers or online. The emphasis will be on your “response”, and that you are providing some form of commentary beyond the information you have gathered. I want to know your view on the subject.
The primary goal of this project is to respond visually to a current event or issue of your choice. You will start with information you gather from TV, newspapers or online. The emphasis will be on your “response”, and that you are providing some form of commentary beyond the information you have gathered. I want to know your view on the subject.
What is different about making your art vs political art?
Rather than dealing with metaphors and personal iconography, Political art has a specific point of view.
What makes effective protest or propaganda art?
Think about Originality:
Rather than dealing with metaphors and personal iconography, Political art has a specific point of view.
What makes effective protest or propaganda art?
- Readability: Your audience needs to know your point of view. Are you for it or against it? If they can’t tell, then it’s not very effective. At worst if they read the opposite meaning from your intention, then you’ve worked against your own beliefs.
- Images that resonate, and you can recall (Graphic power).
- Communication: It's about Clarity. You must convey your ideas clearly, For example you don't want a piece protesting an idea to be interpreted as you advocating for it instead.
Think about Originality:
- Are you going to use Satire/Humor, Data/Statistics or Shock value, there are many ways to achieve your goals.
- Don't just be simplistic and say things like "Pollution is Bad", Be Specific and engaging.
- Make them think about something. Are you asking for a call to action or trying to educate them on the topic?
Break it Down
- What are the various aspects (sub-issues) involved in your issue? For example: If you choose a topic like Global Warming, you might think about what are the different aspects of this (recycling, carbon footprint, fossil fuels, travel, etc, and maybe select one of these aspects to address).
- Who is your audience?
- What are you trying to communicate? Or achieve? (Call to Action or Education?)
Issues of Today (This is just a list of possible ideas, you can choose your own topic)
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*Note on grading:
You are not being graded on whether you are for or against a particular point of view, you are being evaluated based on originality and how effectively you graphically represent your point of view.
Project Parameters:
- Select a topic, YOU MUST EITHER BE FOR OR AGAINST SOMETHING.
- IT MUST BE A REAL ISSUE!!! It can't be some fictional issue like "Save the Dragons" or "Stop Alien Abductions".
- It must have some drawing in the work and it CANNOT be just TEXT. I want you to work with the pictorial graphic nature of your design.
- Do Not simply do a drawing version of someone else's idea. I am interested in seeing your ideas / problem solving skills.
Materials & Size
- You can use any drawing material you like, and add some collage elements in addition to the drawing (this is optional). (This is not a photoshop/digital project-so I don't want you to bring in a digital piece).
- The image size MUST be at least 18"x 24" (Like a poster) or larger on good paper. (Docked 20 points if too small).
Additional Requirements for the Project (worth 15 points of the 100 for the project).
- You will also write a one paragraph TYPED concept statement. You can print it out or email it to me PRIOR to class. Your concept statement should talk about the issue/s you are portraying, explaining your viewpoint and discussing your use of symbols, text etc.
You can also email me your ideas, questions if you need feedback, and we can set up a zoom chat if you like.