Question

We see that art is often a form of social disobedience. Whether it is on our bodies in the form of a tattoo, on a canvas, or on the wall in the form of graffiti. in many cultures, body art is associated with enhancing beauty, and thus related to gender So, can we see the same expression of a social goal in regards to political art? Does creating political art actually help a society to address social problems and ills in their society? Is it effective in creating social change?

Answer 1

• Visual art is instrumental in communicating ideas with an audience, appealing to them on a sensuous level while simultaneously driving home a social agenda packaged tastefully in creative form. Historically, art has been most essential to any movement that endeavoured to create a shift in a social context for the intellectual advancement of humankind.
• Art influences society by changing opinions, instilling values and translating experiences across space and time. Research has shown art affects the fundamental sense of self.Art is often a vehicle for social change. It can give voice to the politically or socially disenfranchised.
  
• Art can take the form of protest, addressing political and social issues with direct action. Good art can educate and create empathy, and empathy leads to change. Global leaders in business and politics are increasingly aware of this and are investing in art as a way of engaging with communities, improving lives and boosting economic growth.Where the arts thrive, freedom of expression thrives. Art can directly empower the most vulnerable members of society. Art opens everything up to such a bigger spectrum of people.
• For instance,In China, the artist Ai Weiwei has highlighted numerous social issues through his installations and sculptures. He has used his work to criticize the official response to the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, to capture the fast pace of cultural change in China, and even to document his own persecution and imprisonment.
• There have also been instances in history where art has been overtly political. Protest posters have emerged as a popular means to display political angst, as depicted by recent marches incensed by Trump’s administration
• The Women’s Movement in the 1960s gave rise to painters like Nancy Spero, whose works are a portrayal of women’s issues and emotional turmoil during war. The Guerrilla Girls, a group of anonymous, mask-wearing protesters are well known for their posters and billboards. They fought for the inclusion and recognition of women and artists of colour in canonical art and culture.
• Another contemporary movement that has been gaining global momentum, veganism, makes use of hand-painted banners during protest marches to depict the cruelty and violence of the meat and dairy industries.
• Drawing from the above instances, it is evident that art is an effective tool which even in present times instigates social change.