What is artistic activism?

Activism is a practice of tackling social issues by questioning those in power. And it performed in several ways, including through the creation of art, which is known as artistic activism.

There are many ways to change and challenge the system. By using art, we can effectively dramatize the real issues that will create a deeper sense of empathy and grab the attention of the people we may have never met before.

The Power of Artistic Activism

Documentaries, film, music, dance, theatre, and graphics can change the perception of the people. Like, read the lyrics of this song “ Formation” written by Beyoncé.

Y’all haters corny with that Illuminati mess

Paparazzi, catch my fly, and my cocky fresh

I’m so reckless when I rock my Givenchy dress (stylin’)

I’m so possessive, so I rock his Roc necklaces.

My daddy Alabama, Momma Louisiana

You mix that negro with that Creole make a Texas Bama

I might get your song played on the radio station, cause I slay

You just might be a black Bill Gates in the making, cause I slay

I just might be a black Bill Gates in the making.

I see it, I want it, I stunt, yellow bone it

I dream it, I work hard, I grind ’til I own it

I twirl on my haters, albino alligators.

After reading the lyrics, you may have gotten the idea, “Formation” music in relation to self-encouragement, and self-empowering. People who feel low of themselves might find Beyoncé music very relatable.

As you can see how beautifully, without non-violently Beyoncé declare in the lyrics, she is proud of being black.

Song such as this can be a disseminator of messages that transform why we underestimate oneself. Our skin color cannot standardize our beauty and abilities.

As an environmental and social justice writer, I consider artistic activism to transform society positively.

What are the two countries that have faced the issue of equality since its birth?

Well, inequality is everywhere, but India and the United States are the two countries that have been facing many inequality issues for decades. From racism, girl birth, LGBTQ, sexism to regional, all these issues are dividing the countries into two parts. By taking advantage of the freedom of expression, artistic activism is educating people about what is right and wrong and addressing the dilemma.

What challenges does artistic activism face in issuing the arts to address societal issues?

Following are the challenges that an artist face when addressing social issues using art:-

Public Perception: You have no idea how will audience perceive your content. There are two kinds of people #wesupport #banthefilm. You can’t please everyone to watch your content; it’s just everything you are going to represent on the screen must be fact-based. It can save your image and maybe open the eyes of closed-minded people.

Lack of Resources: Lack of funding, lack of clarity, and low production cost are one of the significant challenges that an artist face when making a film on social issues. Because many believe these kinds of films have a high risk of ban and deal of loss.

No Collective Vision: No two patterns are the same. Everyone has a self-vision that approve or block the power of the content. Filmmakers noted that people could not understand the purpose of the film because of diverse opinions and visions.

Final Say:

Using the art to transform society is the engaging and effective way of activism. A transformation change first occurs in the brain, touch the heart, and then come into the real world.

A 15-minute documentary can change and challenge the system if it is visualized in the right way. We need to show the unbiased side in each scene and dialogue to aware the audience through artistic activism.