Editorial: In Response to “on #art, A Few Questions…”Editorial: Art & Politics

I recently read a post by JaZzArt en València that asked five thought-provoking questions about art and politics.

Does art mix with politics?

In my opinion, art naturally mixes with politics. It seems to have been that way since people started documenting their lives. Politics have been the subject of songs, poems, paintings and more. Artists create flags and anthems that express the political views of governments, and the victor’s version of wars.

Even a simple painting of a woman performing mundane household chores tells the story of that woman’s place in her society at that specific time.

Should artists get involved with politics?

As a creative person, I would say that an artist can’t avoid being involved with politics, even when they don’t want to. Their artistic expression speaks to something within them. I can’t think of an instance when that expression was not political in some way.

I have been creative my entire life. I’ve worked in several mediums. Yet there are many times that I struggle to classify myself as an artist. That struggle is actually political. It’s rooted in class and race.

The work I create is political. Sometimes it’s the subject matter, other times it’s the materials I use. I’ve had to work with inexpensive materials because of my economic situation. The views I express are from the perspective of my place in American society at this time in history. Even that view is based on the politics of my region in the country and my age. It’s all political.

I have some questions for all who wish to reply… I look forward to your opinions, and please, always remember that the only thing we proffer is …

#art, A Few Questions…

Can art, (not that which is made for political propaganda) influence others politically or socially?

Yes. Exposure to different ideas and perspectives can influence others politically and socially. That influence can be positive or negative. This influence can be commonly seen when you watch someone take in a dramatic performance or when listening to music.

A person can be exposed to art that makes them speak to someone that they normally would ignore or volunteer with an organization that does nothing for them personally.

Of course this can work in the opposite way as well. The art of rap has been blamed for generations for increases in crime. That argument itself is political.

If you thought that artists should not get involved with politics, can you tell me who should?

I cannot comment on this because it was not my view, but I’m interested to read how others respond to this question.

If you thought that art does not mix with politics, can you tell me what does mix with politics and what mixes with art?

My response echos my previous one.

I don’t know the artist behind JaZzArt en València or the motivation behind the questions, but I do like to have something that sparks my brain and these questions did that. They also made me consider how I choose to work as an artist. I think I will ask myself these questions sometimes when I’m struggling with a creative block.

As far as propaganda that’s another can of worms that I will not open. It could be argued that all art is propaganda. Maybe that will be part of the next inquiry.