Art as Social Commentary

Earth is Sum of its Parts with Strings Attached

As the environmental crisis gains traction, I am re-publishing a blog post of January 2011. Although, my focus in art is printmaking, I have also created some textile art,  one of which featured in this post. Your comments are welcome:

Social commentary has been expressed in art forms back to cave drawings.  Social movements, war, politics, religion, oppression and more have been given a point of view and voice with brush, pen, film, theatre and many other mediums. Think of John Lennon's "Imagine", Dorothea Lange’s photography of the Great Depression, Charles Dickens,  or the art of children in concentration camps, just to name a few examples. 

Recently I watched the first in a six part, documentary series about poverty worldwide on Link TV entitled "The Price of Cotton." The documentary, filmed in Mali and Texas, relates the story of cotton farmers in Mali, trying to gain access to markets juxtaposed to a Texas producer whose fate is in the hands of the American market system. In both instances, the small, non-corporate farmer falls victim to a system that serves the large agri-business system worldwide. 

The cotton farmers in Mali are unable to compete in the market due to the price set by World Trade Organization (WTO). The family farmer in Texas is dependent on farm subsidies to remain in business - subsidies that will likely soon be discontinued.  Farm policies favor the corporate farmers worldwide. There is no cohesive policy within any country or countries to stabilize the farm sector. 

In my textile art piece, "Earth is the Sum of its Parts....with Strings Attached," my intention was to reflect the disconnect and disregard of nations to the impact of  their policies on the environment and people in other parts of the world. Policies are implemented by Governments to serve interests within their own boundaries, ignoring the resulting consequences to other nations, their environment, economies and people. 

The documentary, “The Price of Cotton*,” shows clearly the influence of powerful nations in setting world prices and markets for cotton has affected already impoverished African farmers, and now hits back to the American family farmer too. It also shows the power of art in the form of documentary to tell a story. 

*"The Price of Cotton", as well as the other documentaries in the poverty series can be viewed on Link TV online. 

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Your comments are welcome! Do you make social commentary with your art? What commentary in art form has moved you to action or informed? 

SUBSCRIBE: My blog is a weekly release with features about art happenings, mine and others, as well as ....commentaries. I also write a periodic newsletter and you are invited to subscribe. My newsletter is a quick update on new art, events and blog releases. 

Changing the World Through Art and Photography

Robin Sagara writes the blog, "Working Creatively Blog" and with her kind permission, I've re-posted one here. Robin is a terrific marketing person, specializing in helping. And Robin shares with many artists, a love of the natural world. Here's her post: "Changing the World Through Art and Photography":

Guardians of the Everglades - a project with an inescapable message: The Everglades ecosystem is unique, necessary for our health and should be preserved. They aim to bring its beauty and importance to people all over the world through the lives of the ten Living Legends who are the Guardians of the Everglades. Breathtaking photos from conservation photographer Connie Bransilver and photographic artist Clyde Butcher, classic portraits of the ten Guardians by painter Nicholas Petrucci.

The first exhibit opened December 7th (and runs through January 30th) at the Museum of Florida Art and Culture, SFCC in Avon Park, FL. Check the schedule for more info/events. (Image: Clyde Buther ©Nicholas Petrucci www.NicholasPetrucci.com. Image: Everglades Prairie ©Connie Bransilver www.ConnieBransilver.com)

Then check out this TED video: Yann Arthus-Bertrand captures fragile Earth in wide-angle. "In this image-filled talk, Yann Arthus-Bertrand displays his three most recent projects on humanity and our habitat -- stunning aerial photographs in his series 'The Earth From Above,' personal interviews from around the globe featured in his web project '6 billion Others,' and his...movie, "Home," which documents human impact on the environment through breathtaking video."

From the Working Creatively Blog.

Reflection of Us.....

University Press Published Books

The demise of the books, newspapers and more mediums of the printed word has been a big topic in recent times. Just this week, great alarm has been sounded over the impact of Amazon.com on the purveyors of books around the nation. It is alarming, yes, but wait, what part do we the consumers play in the trend? It's not just about the easy shopping the web offers. It's more about the quality and content of what is available now ...and what is disappearing quickly. So it's about us...our culture...which is a reflection of us.

In a recent article in  Guernica Magazine, a journal of arts and politics, writer Leah Carroll gives us the alarming news that the University of Missouri announced in June that they will close their university press department. This has happened at many other universities around the USA. University Presses at universities were established to publish faculty work and topics of regional interest. These are scholarly works, important for the history they record, advancement of ideas, telling of societal change, movements and the people involved documenting our culture and history. This includes the arts in every medium. For example, the University of Missouri University Press published an outstanding work on Langston Hughes, considered a classic today, and more works on the civil rights movements. 

The budget portion to sustain University Presses is small compared to the funds allotted to America's passion for university sports. And there's the rub-to bring in the money to fund the university budget, the school must give the people what they want. And they want football more than good books of scholarly work it seems. That's certainly a reflection of our culture. What do we really want to read, watch, do, see? 

Perhaps a group of graduate students in sociology or a university professor has been working on a research study for decades on the demise of print publishing, even the content and quality of same. It probably speaks to the evolvement of hyper-consumerism, mindless and isolated electronic devices activities, even the craze for high violence level and extremely loud Hollywood movies - all the same plot...if there is one. This incredible piece of scholarship has no doubt documented the "dumbing-down" of public education, which of course would impact what is being read...or not. But alas, we probably won't see such a report, at least not from a University Press. Check Amazon.com -- maybe they have it...in a e-book edition maybe?

Donating Art - Maybe You'll Get Discovered!!

"Pinks," Monotype

Artists frequently receive requests to donate a piece of their art to charity fundraisers, civic or non-profit groups. ‘Lucky you’ is the message—just give a piece of your creative work for display or auction and it will be terrific exposure for you as an artist!

Such was the case recently on Cape Cod. The Barnstable Municipal Airport, Hyannis, approached local artists, requesting art to adorn the new airport space. A wonderful opportunity said the Airport Arts Task Force for artists to get “exposure.” An insult, say the artists! Well, says the Task Force, the work actually would be just be on loan and insurance up to a certain level would be provided….but value beyond that level would be the liability of the artist. Some deal, huh. 

Susan Vaughn, journalist and reporter for “Wicked Local/Barnstable” which is part of The Register, Cape Cod’s weekly newspaper since the 1830’s, has been meeting with local artists, who received the Airport Task Force's request through the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod. Vaughn cites on the artists’ grievances and concerns related to the airport’s request. Certainly “donating one’s art” is not a new issue for artists, but this time the artists decided on a more constructive approach to resolve the issue. 

Vaughn reports that the artists see a huge disconnect between the business, civic leadership and community artisans. But in fact, a large percentage of revenue supporting the area is generated by the cultural offerings. The Cape is an arts destination, the artists say, with wonderful art fairs, galleries, music and theatre. 

Times are tough right now for everyone say the artists, many who readily admit to lacking business and marketing expertise. They may be talented, exceptional artists, but getting their work before the buyer is the missing piece. The artists of the Cape Foundation group have brainstormed and come up with a variety of approaches for making the airport situation a win-win community-artists relationship that may reap benefits for all. 

So how does the story end? Its evolving actually and showing promise for some “creative” solutions. Reporter, Susan Vaughn, says artists, community leaders and the Airport Task Force are talking, have come up with some action plans and ideas for future cooperative and beneficial projects too. 

Art of the Revolution

Matt Taibli, "Rolling Stone"

Dear Readers,

Revolutions and protests have through history sparked art in some form and Wall Street has history in this regard.  Currently, the participants in OWS have put forth a vast amount of visuals reflecting the guts of the movement, the fears and determination too. Cartoons, signs, photography, film, graphics, drawings and prose now reflect the voice, strength and determination of OWS worldwide. Some of this creative outpouring will become iconic images of the 2011 Revolution of the 99%. And there is more to come no doubt. 

I pass along an excellent study, found online, authored by Lana Swartz, PhD Student at USC, Annenberg and Dr. Alison Troupe, Clinical Associate Professor, also at USC, entitled: "Visual Culture of the Occupation: One Month and Counting." Swartz and Troupe have compiled a historical look at the art and visual expressions from protest movements back to many others related to inequities. In her introduction, Ms Swartz says, "Since September 17, the Occupy Wall Street movement has produced an overwhelming array of visuals, offering a significant lens on the movement itself, its ties to history, its divergent voices, perspectives and styles, as well as its multiple distribution channels from mainstream outlets to social media. Despite the criticism from experts who do not necessarily see much potential in Occupy’s “brand,” the visual aspects of the protest clearly have impact and traction. "

OWS is evolving and definitely growing and with it, documentation in visuals, music, theatre and the written word. Stay tuned for more. 

Precarious Balance

Precarious Balance

The balance of life is often precarious! My newest work is inspired by the rock walls built by the Irish that hold their form and strength through all. Acrylic on canvas substrate with addition of various mediums for texture. 

I've recently "re-created" three textile art pieces. Working in acylics, using the various mediums brought ideas of how to improve the dimensionality and enhance the themes of my previous works. "Blue Flowers", Earth is the Sum of Its Parts...", and "Canyon Sunset" all have been revamped, given a new look, enhanced in their presentation. Using gel mediums, dimensional aspects are more prominent in "Blue Flowers," for example. Shadowing, areas of emphasis have more definition in "Earth is" and "Canyon Sunset", and colors are more intense with my application of gloss gels. 

These three artworks are now mounted on panel with framing, ready for hanging. With several layers of gel medium, they are also sealed,  eliminating the usual concern about dust and damage to textile art surfaces. 

You'll find these three pieces, "new and improved!", at http://bonniesamuelartist.com/artworks in the Textile & Mixed Media category.

The Strength of Women

Congo Strength

Eve Ensler, playwright and social activist, has established City of Joy in the Republic of Congo. My latest work, pictured here, was inspired by Eve's project, and the courage and strength of the Congolese women.

As readers know, my blog and most often my artwork is social commentary. Eve Ensler has long been one of my heriones. Her advocacy for the rights and equality of women is long standing and life changing for many. When visiting the Congo, she learned of the atrocities by men, often soldiers, violently raping, sometimes killing, 440,000 women and girls over the last decade. Eve also found that the rest of the world had taken no action to stop the violence. None.

The City of Joy facility and village opened this spring in Bukava in the Republic of Congo. Made a reality by Eve Ensler's tireless determination, and V-Day.org, in partnership with the Panzi Foundation and support of UNICEF, City of Joy is actually owned and led by Congolese women.  Women in residence will regain their strength physically and mentally with meaningful support, literacy and educational offerings to prepare them to go back to their communities as leaders who help move other women to their own places of power and achievement. 

My artwork, "Congo Strength", depicts a women whose eyes tell us she will survive, she will be whole and she will lead. She will live by the words of Eve Ensler, "Women will heal and turn their pain to power." 

Politics of Anti-Arts

"The Fleet's In." Paul Cadmus, '34

A few weeks ago I wrote about the mural project of the WPA under President Roosevelt. In researching for the article, I could find no compilation of all the murals or even much about the various other WPA art programs during the 1930's. Curious. Of course, many of the murals have been destroyed as old post offices and government buildings came down and new ones replaced them. But why is there no documentation of all these works of art? I would suggest that politics played a role, as we see today in ongoing the ongoing anti-National Public Radio debate. 

Politicians, the morality police or aspiring mind controllers have through history, used art to illustrate the decadence of the artist mind, Bohemians all to be sure, and the immoral influence of their work. Diego Rivera's mural work in the US was extremely controversial during the thirties, as were many of the works of many American artists in the WPA projects. Some WPA mural plans were censored by governmental officials who directed the subject content be changed. Prospective murals subjects, as well interpretation, were indeed reviewed before the artist could actually paint!

Pictured here is one such such mural depicting sailors wolf whistling at some pretty girls who in turn were enjoying the attention. Artist Paul Cadmus's "The Fleet's In" is an oil on canvas, painted in 1934. The painting was selected for inclusion in show of PWAP art the Corcoran Gallery of Art, prompting a viewer to write an irate and indigent letter to The Evening Star (WDC). "It reflected unfairly on the men of the navy," said the Secretary of the Navy in response and "The Fleet's In" was removed from the exhibition. The painting was "stored" in various places, certainly not in public, until 1981 when the Navy had it restored. (Find an interesting chronology of this episode at http://www.history.navy.mil/ac/cadmus/cadmus.htm.

In fact, President Roosevelt's detractors used the immorality of the arts created in the WPA project as anti-Roosevelt campaign fodder. Didn't work though.  

WPA Art Murals

When I go to the Ames, Iowa Post Office, I don't mind standing in line. Adorning one wall of the old building is a mural painted by artist, Lowell Houser in 1938. Houser was commissioned to paint this mural by the Federal Art Project, division of the Roosevelt Administration's Works Progress Administration (WPA). The painting, "Evolution of Corn," is an oil on canvas depicting the history of corn from Mayan times to the farmer of the 1930's. 

The WPA Federal Project One (a division of the WPA) during the 1930's included work programs for artists of all genres. Artists, actors, musicians, writers, and playwrights left the big city theaters and elite galleries to work and teach in schools,  the community centers and parks of America. People who had never been to a play or concert or been to a gallery were enjoying the arts in small towns and rural community across America-for the most part free. For people struggling during the Depression, the experience and exposure to the arts touched people emotionally and intellectually. Thousands of artists were employed by FPA and over 225,000 works of art were created for the American people. 

The Mural Project in particular was accessible to people everywhere as the murals were installed in post offices, other Federal buildings, schools, libraries, city halls and airports. Institutions commissioned these works, agreeing to pay for the materials and paints, while the artists were paid by Federal Project One. Not only were thousands of artists thus employed, but local craftsmen and workers were put to work as well in the preparation of walls and structures needed to produce the large and magnificent murals. Themes for the murals were often nationalistic in nature, but also depicting America's cultural history, agrarian scenes, and everyday life. 

There were about 2500 magnificent murals created in public spaces across America, many still exist today. Grant Wood, John Stuart Curry, Francis Robert White, Thomas Hart Benton were just a few of the artists creating murals under the WPA art project. Check out the old post offices near you-maybe you'll find a mural and start mailing by snail mail instead of email. 

*Sources: The Institute for Cultural Democracy online; General Services Administration website; wikipedia; Nick Taylor's book, "American-Made".

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Subscribe to my newsletter, also from my website here, emails once or twice a month, announces new artwork, events or exhibitions of interest, and current blog topics. It is also short and sweet! 

Visit my gallery to view my textile art and silk art wearables. 

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Art Messaging: Social Realism Art

"Sharecropper" Elizabeth Catlett

Does your art make a statement, revealing your passions, interests, view of the world? Back in the 1930’s a movement of “social realism art” emerged (not to be confused with socialist realism). Artists revealed their advocacy for social justice and the plight of those suffering economic devastation during the depression years.  Many were activists and teachers who then had opportunity to take their message even further. For others, their view of society was born of values instilled by upbringing and education. Artists who themselves experienced social inequities were also inspired to paint, write, create plays and music with a message. 

The list of notable artists who used their art to raise social consciousness on issues about which they were passionate is very long and includes painters, sculptors, photographers, writers, playwrights, musicians, and poets. Here’s a sampling of artists of the 1930's, some more recent:

Elizabeth Catlett, granddaughter of American slaves, is a sculptor and printmaker. She was the first black to receive a MFA in sculptor (1940) at the University of Iowa. The intention of her work was to show the dignity of African Americans despite the hardships and injustices they suffered. Her work, “Sharecropper” is pictured above in this post. 

Diego Rivera, 20^th century Mexican painter well-known for his fresco mural paintings that reflected his concern for the impact of technology on human development. He painted his murals in public places, in Mexico and the United States, where the common man would have access to his message. 

Pablo Picasso’s “Guernica” is still revered today as a classic anti-war statement. In this work, Picasso depicts the devastation of war to people, animals and buildings and created in response to the 1937 Spanish Civil War when German and Italian warplanes, at the behest of Spain’s national forces, bombed Guernica, Spain. A tapestry copy of this work hangs at the UN Security Council.

George Segal, (1924-2000) another American sculptor whose work in bronze “Depression Bread Line” tells the haunting story of the 1930’s. Segal completed this work in 1991. He was known for his work portraying human values and the toll of economic turmoil on working people. George Segal received the National Medal of Honor for his life's work in 1999. 

Certainly, John Steinbeck’s “Grapes of Wrath” and other works reflect the times of human struggles and despair. Woody Guthrie’s now classic songs also told the story, but were also uplifting and hopeful. Maya Angelou's writings brought awareness and understanding of blacks in America to millions through her stories of struggle and triumph too. John Lennon's "Imagine" became the theme song for the anti-war movement. The list of artists revealing their own views and passions in their art is endless and worldwide.

More next week on this theme.....

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My newsletter, also from my website here, emails once or twice a month, announces new artwork, events or exhibitions of interest, and current blog topics. It is also short and sweet! 

Let's connect!  You can also find me on Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter .

Economic Devastation Art

Detroit: photographers Marchand & Meffre

French photographers, Yves Marchand and Roman Meffre, have created a stunning reality check on the impact of economic downturns in our lives. The artful eyes of these two photographers capture the devastation, the ruin of lives in the images of crumbling structures that once were the pride of a community. You will not get far into this book without grabbing for the Kleenex. 

The book is The Ruins of Detroit. From the artists' website, here is their statement about this work: 

"Ruins are the visible symbols and landmarks of our societies 
and their changes, small pieces of history in suspension.

"The state of ruin is essentially a temporary situation that happens at 
some point, the volatile result of change of era and the fall of empires.
This fragility, the time elapsed but even so running fast, lead us to watch them one very last time : 
being dismayed, or admire, making us wondering about the permanence of things.

"Photography appeared to us as a modest way 
to keep a little bit of this ephemeral state."

The Ruins of Detroit was published by Steidl, May 2010. The authors website has many photographs from the book. 

Haitian Youth Paint a New Country

Artist Islande Henry, Haiti

Art reflects back to us every aspect of life. Art interprets. Art inspires. Art heals. Beverly Bell, author, social activitist, and associate fellow of the Institute for Policy Studies, wrote the following article about a Haitian youth art program. 

Article by Beverly Bell* and reprinted with permission. 

Art as Social Commentary #2

Reuters/Amr Abdallah Dalsh. February '11

What photo taken during the Egyptian protests will become the iconic image for the historic people's demonstration? Will one of the many press photographers in Tahrir Square see his/her work become the or one of the photographs to win recognition for capturing the essence of the protests? Perhaps this photographer will see his work on the cover of the NYT or major press in the Middle East. 

The American Civil War is said to be the most photographed event in history. The imagery is haunting with the stark realities of conflict as captured by the eye of the photographer. No doubt many pictures taken then and since have not lived on and one reason is that the photograph didn't tell us a story. Those photographs that now hang in museums or fill books are the work of artists who with camera painted their canvas. 

The picture above was taken by Amr Abdallah Dalsh, Reuters New Service, at Tahrir Square in Cairo. Another, which has already found it's place as a symbol for the movement was taken by Goran Tamasevic, also with Reuters News Service. You'll find this as the profile picture on the Facebook page credited with generating the Egyptian protests, which is "We are all Khaled Said" 

Art as Social Commentary

Earth is the Sum of Its Parts, with Strings Attached

Social commentary has been expressed in art forms back to cave drawings.  Social movements, war, politics, religion, oppression and more have been given a point of view and voice with brush, pen, film, theatre and many other mediums. Think of John Lennon's "Imagine", Dorothea Lange’s photography of the Great Depression, Charles Dickens,  or the art of children in concentration camps, just to name a few examples. 

Recently I watched the first in a six part, documentary series about poverty worldwide on Link TV entitled "The Price of Cotton." The documentary, filmed in Mali and Texas, relates the story of cotton farmers in Mali, trying to gain access to markets juxtaposed to a Texas producer whose fate is in the hands of the American market system. In both instances, the small, non-corporate farmer falls victim to a system that serves the large agri-business system worldwide. 

The cotton farmers in Mali are unable to compete in the market due to the price set by World Trade Organization (WTO). The family farmer in Texas is dependent on farm subsidies to remain in business - subsidies that will likely soon be discontinued.  Farm policies favor the corporate farmers worldwide. There is no cohesive policy within any country or countries to stabilize the farm sector. 

In my textile art piece, "Earth is the Sum of its Parts....with Strings Attached," my intention was to reflect the disconnect and disregard of nations to the impact of  their policies on the environment and people in other parts of the world. Policies are implemented by Governments to serve interests within their own boundaries, ignoring the resulting consequences to other nations, their environment, economies and people. 

The documentary, “The Price of Cotton*,” shows clearly the influence of powerful nations in setting world prices and markets for cotton has affected already impoverished African farmers, and now hits back to the American family farmer too. It also shows the power of art in the form of documentary to tell a story. 

*"The Price of Cotton", as well as the other documentaries in the poverty series can be viewed on Link TV online. 

...............................

Your comments are welcome! Do you make social commentary with your art? What commentary in art form has moved you to action or informed? 

SUBSCRIBE: My blog is a weekly release with features about art happenings, mine and others, as well as ....commentaries. I also write a periodic newsletter and you are invited to subscribe. My newsletter is a quick update on new art, events and blog releases.