Representing Activism

Catalog description

Efforts to promote social, political, economic and environmental change range in form from written word to direct action. Sources of injustice that those efforts address are multi-dimensional and complex. Effective forms of activism are fueled by creativity that synthesize and distill complex constellations of information and foster understanding. REPRESENTING ACTIVISM explores the role of multi-media graphic representation as a lens through which change and social justice can be fostered. Exploration of efficacy in application will span four dimensions, 1) Social Media, 2) Film, 3) Poster/Graphic Design, and 4) Publication - all aspiring to achieve the status of art. Art and Activism are predicated on exposing the truth. Art has the unique power to convey messages across linguistic and cultural barriers that often divide. Part of the Activist's challenge is to grip and inspire people to action. With the avalanche of information and media modern society absorbs every day, this is increasingly hard to do. Sometimes it is too much to ask people to stop and think: sometimes it's too much just to ask them to stop. Successful art compels this, penetrating apathy and imploring the viewer to look deeper and explore the narrative that is embedded in what elicited a visceral response. This seminar aspires to compel action in the public interest through artful representation.