Artists find different mediums to express their concerns and ideas, as art can be conveyed in many shapes and forms
The question of whether artists should voice their political opinion or include it into their work doesn’t only apply to musicians or filmmakers. The majority of young artists nowadays have been massively influenced by the current political climate and those effects have been embodied into their work, whether it’s visible or not.
The performance artist, Grungie Doll, says her work is heavily influenced by politics, as she’s currently working on her activism movement, which she calls dadagrunge. “Dadagruge mostly depicts the rebellion of an individual and their journey of escape from the cage of political blindness," she says. "I like to call my mission behind the practice as a kind of indirect activism, as I’m not trying to prove anything.”
Depending on the artist’s format, the political influence might be more visible, such as Grungie’s performance art. However, Nikki Carroll, whose art is mainly visualised through sculpturing, agrees with Grungie. The way she’s influenced by politics is reflected in several different forms.
She uses materials, such as wood, paper, and, cardboard, which she says makes her instantly aware of different realms of privileges. Carroll says: “I had a basic school education and I didn’t do particularly well, so I’m always aware of people viewing my work from different backgrounds.”
Both artists’ backstory has influenced their art and have been one of the main factors why they were drawn to art in the first place. Austerity, oppression, and wealth are all different forms of political issues that have a massive influence on artists.
This form of protest can be visible, such as Banksy’s critical street art, or "invisible", like Ai Weiwei’s work. Either way, it’s still there.
Cover photo credits: Cinar Unal
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