As we explore art as a medium for social change, we’re presented with an extremely long history. Art has been an incredibly powerful force in shaping and reflecting the dynamics of societies and cultures. From the Renaissance all the way to the Civil Rights Movement, artists have been crucial in driving social change.
This article is going to take a deep dive into the complex relationship between art and historical movements. This can be by sparking a political debate through street art or sculptures helping minority social groups’ struggles come to the forefront of people’s conversations.
As we explore history together, it’s essential to consider how art can be perceived differently by different people and yet still unite many when it comes to shining a light on the need for social change.
The Renaissance
The Renaissance marks the transition from the ancient to the modern world. A time of enlightenment, technological advances, philosophy, and, of course, art. The first artists that come to mind are da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli.
Let’s take a moment to explore da Vinci further; his works include the Mona Lisa, a beautiful demonstration of sfumato being used to capture the emotions of his muse. But also, his curiosity about the human anatomy gave us works such as Vitruvian Man. This incredible era of transition perfectly blended science and art, challenging conventions and sparking cultural transformation.
When considering this era, we must remember to assess the cultural and religious shifts that were taking place, including how the church commissioned such art while much was based on ancient Greek or Roman pieces. We must ask ourselves how much of an influence even ancient art would have had on art as religions and beliefs changed and morphed.
The Revolution
Now, we move forward to the 18th and 19th Centuries. War, revolution and uprisings are the main headlines across the globe, and artists used their art to capture the spirit of the turmoil and unrest; consider the French Revolution and the emergence of social protest. Spanish artist Francisco Goya created The Third of May 1808, a piece depicting Napoleon’s soldiers as shadowy, emotionless beings pointing their weapons at the surrendering Spanish rebels, whose emotions are bared for all to see. This piece is often labelled as the first anti-war artwork and paved the way for other artists to express the drive for social change.
When discussing these types of art, we should also consider where and by whom the art was seen. In this case, we know that it was some 40 years after Napoleon’s invasion that Goya’s painting was brought to light. Yet, the depiction of the horrors of war in his piece was still considered such a strong social influence in anti-war artwork. So, we must ask ourselves why it had such a strong impact and what could have happened if the work was revealed earlier or later.
Social Realism
Social injustice, inequality and the oppression of minority social groups are all topics that 20th Century art explores. Jacob Lawrence expresses his concerns for the struggles and successes of African American life, while Dorothea Lange documents the plights of migrant workers and displaced farmers during the fall of the US economy during The Great Depression. Both artists use their medium to explore the troubles of their time, sparking empathy and awareness and forcing society to confront complex topics and conversations.
At this point in time, art was more readily available. Photographers capture events as they happen, and artists become agents of social change with an aim to ignite debate and pull on the emotions of their audience. They raise awareness of topics and social issues that had previously been overlooked. When discussing art in the 20th Century, we must also consider the leaps and bounds of technological advancement, helping to spread the messages of artists further than ever before.
Modern Day Art
As we reach the noughties, art has evolved ever further, with artists tackling pressing social issues through street art, performance art, and digital media. Activists use these powerful tools to reach global audiences and spark conversations on essential topics such as climate change and diversity and inclusion. Also human rights for minorities like LGBTQA+ and other social injustices that need to be promoted for action to be taken.
Art has become a leading source of change. Take the interactive exhibits by artist Olafur Eliasson and his project Ice Watch, an incredible feat that enabled the public to interact with the art piece tangibly, evoking emotions and catalyzing action against climate change. We can take a look at graffiti artist Banksy, whose Kissing Coppers piece started conversations about the discrimination of homosexuality.
When discussing modern day art, we should also consider how much more accessible the work is to an even wider audience. Local issues can become global. Hidden problems can become fully seen, and the work may well be seen by more than the intended audience.
Conclusion and Further Considerations
The connection between art and historical movements is complex and intricate. Essays on art and social change should provide a lens through which we can understand the profound impact of creative expressions on the trajectory of history, reminding us that art is not just a reflection of society but a catalyst for change.
We must also consider forms of art, such as propaganda, created to sway the public through misinformation or a distorted view. Think of the parallels this has in today’s world with social media and internet access, artwork that can be skewed or transformed to fit the artist’s own narrative.
Looking ahead, we can safely assume that the importance of art in leading social change will continue as viral videos of riots gain traction and artistic stunts such as Banksy’s shredding incident hit the news. However, we should also look back and ask ourselves, how far have we really come? How many issues in history were highlighted by artists that are still considered problems today?
As you research and explore, you’ll find so many recurring themes throughout history, and this will enrich your essay and help it become a well-rounded discussion that is both thought-provoking and humbling.