A look at the film: "The Art of Protest"

Firstly, one of the most unexpected pieces of knowledge I have gained through my higher education experience is an understanding of the significance of art in civilization. Most importantly, the thing that I believe, the thing that I have come to understand, is that art is a powerful voice for those who seek change.  I have always questioned why art has so much less presence in academic curriculum than I recall in my grade school days.  I believe there is a power in art that is feared.

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The Art of Protest from INDECLINE on Vimeo.

Watching this assignment was refreshing and inspiring for me, as protest/activism is the purpose of my artwork currently. The maker of this film, INDECLINE, suggests through The Art of Protest that it is essential we do something, when there is an apparent existential threat to humanity.  They tell the viewer that art is effective, and  why and how art can be used in defense against something that is such a threat.

I enjoyed the​ collection of vignettes which painted for us the notion that there are artists taking on the charge to defend. As they shared with us their motivations and their methods, we are left to take from it the idea that perhaps there is hope.  I find myself encouraged to push harder to reach out beyond my fear of rocking the boat, and grab onto the idea that status quo acceptance of divisive politics = destruction.