Monday, October 1, 2018

Art in the social realm

Sexism. Racism. Economic inequality. Bigotry. Immigration. The list of problems in America that need solutions can seem endless. When we look for solutions, we focus on academia, government, think tanks, experts and journalism. But because of America’s persistent ambiguity about the visual arts, we rarely look to the visual artist.

This is unfortunate because the serious visual artist is, in most cases, after truth not notoriety. The voices of such artists are strong and articulate. Their images are direct and powerful. Artists like Theaster Gates, Tina Brugera, William Kentridge, Swoon, Kara Walker and more, creatively confront issues through visual work that educates and empowers.


We can read books and editorials. But powerful images have a way of seeding themselves in us.

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