from
the
editor
The Art of Protest
Art can be used to convey sentiments that are
otherwise not understood. Recently, more than 7,000
shoes were placed in front of the Capitol building in
Washington, D.C., to represent the thousands of lives
lost since Sandy Hook (another school shooting in 2012).
The point is that sometimes words resonate deeper,
sometimes it’s public art (like empty shoes representing
those killed), sometimes it’s banners with a short but
poignant message ... Communication, artistic expression,
and activism can unite powerfully.
This issue features controversial art. We featured art
like this before. In fact, back in 2015, we featured art by
Artist and Poet Rupi Kaur which was part of her “period”
project. Instagram removed a seemingly harmless image
of her laying in bed in a shirt, sweatpants, facing away
from the camera and a small, visible menstruation spot on
her pants. The image was removed twice by instagram for
violating community standards. After vocalizing outrage
about their censorship, the image was permitted to stay.
Her response:
“thank you Instagram for providing me
with the exact response my work was created
Some of you may dismiss this type of work. Is it art,
you may wonder. It is. There are so many ways to define
art, to judge it, to express it, to receive it, to perceive it,
to interpret it ... controversial art and topics don’t make it
any less “art” than a fine art painting. It’s simply a different
skill and purpose.
As an activist who is aware of gender, racial,
economic, and environmental disparity, I consider art
that leaves viewers questioning social norms and why
they exist, to be rather important. As a feminist myself, I
particularly respect those who explore feminist art.
Art may make us uncomfortable.
art.
We will always have our preferences for preferred
And, as you view art that makes you uncomfortable,
I’d like you to ask yourself why it makes you feel that way.
What does it make you feel? What needs to change to
make the art less comfortable (about yourself). Reflect
on these thoughts. Explore your beliefs, explore what
you consider socially acceptable -- are they reflective of
your family’s values? Your country? Religion? Are they
even your beliefs or were they forced upon you as you
were raised or married into someone else’s family?
The only way to continue to grow and evolve is by
reflecting on how things are an