How can art change the world?
I stumbled upon a blogger, Kyle Harris who poses a question I recently have been asking myself: what is the role of an artist in today’s world, and what is the intention of the art/artist? I thought he had some interesting opinions.
http://couchpotatorevolution.blogspot.com/2008_06_01_archive.html
New catastrophic figures come in daily about the destruction of species, the toxicity of the basic elements, the escalation of violence within communities and against communities. Whole groups of people have already been eradicated and many more face eminent destruction due to the cruel neglect of capitalism. Many predict complete environmental collapse in the near future. As we face what some refer to as post-industrial collapse, artists have a difficult task—what is the role of art in the face of the decline of so-called “civilization?” Should artists support political struggle, revolutionary struggle, or simply document the horrors of the contemporary world? Should we raise questions or attempt to answer them? Should we use our tools to organize or use our tools to challenge contemporary, destructive, grotesquely optimistic modes of thinking? These are questions we have to answer through our practice. I am not sure of the answers in my own work; however, I am sure that all too often people feel too secure, too knowledgeable, and too confident while facing global horrors. By distracting us from acknowledging our role in perpetrating global violence, capitalism succeeds in turning us into weapons. Perhaps the most important role of art is to disturb us, terrorize us, remind us that security is a destructive illusion. Perhaps art should move people to ask questions and take action, direct action, and struggle for liberation.
Charlie White
I saw an exhibition of his work about four years ago, and it really disturbed me. The work that affected me most was his “Getting Lindsay Linton”; an image of a woman being held down while milk is poured over her face and body, and a very strange creature hovering in front of her. The image stayed with me for a long time mostly because I was afraid of it. His work is still very interesting, lots of props and the color and lighting is very beautiful and sensuous.
I would have posted yesterday, but tumblr was freaking out on me. I decided to post some of my work as a painter on here since it’s my focus as a BFA major. I love painting, and recently have been focusing on a body of work about my fears and obsessions. The work is abstract, and moves in and outside the human form. I have a lot of fears and things that I’m obsessed about, but I hope that by painting it will help me conquer those fears.
If you want to see more of my work ——>http://katherinelefave.com/index.php
ps-to anyone who ever left a “note” on my blog, thank you. I just realized that a note is a reply to me *.- Thanks Issa for your kind words about my grandfather :)
My grandfather, whom I posted images of photographs he took passed this morning from cancer. These are only some of his accomplishments. He was also a wonderful grandfather who always thought of his grandchildren by writing postcards to us each year. He will be missed greatly but I know he is with the Lord now.
USAF basic at Sampson AFB, NY Sept 1951 Aircraft and Engine School, Sheppard AFB, TX H-5 Helicopter School, San Marcos AFB, TX First unit 83rd Air Rescue Sq from Aug 1952 to 1955 with service in West Palm Beach, Bordeaux, France, and Spangdahlem, Germany 46th Air Rescue Sq. Westover AFB, MA 1955-56 3033rd Test Flight, 1957-59 Olmstead AFB. PA 24th Helicopter Sq, Showa Air Station, Japan Oct 1959-Jan 1960 6314th Field Maintenance Sq, Osan AFB, Korea 1960-Jan 1961 1370th Photomapping, Turner AFB, GA All H-19 time except for H-21s at Japan and Georgia Discharged Sep 1961 Florida Army National Guard as full time aircraft mechanic Sep 1965 to Sep 1986, rank from Sgt to Command Sergeant Major, 111th Attack Helicopter Bn, retired Sep 1986 During FLARNG service worked on H-13, H-23, OH-58, UH1 B, D, and H, AH-1S various models and assorted FW aircraft I was the Flight Chief at Olmstead and Line Chief at Osan Tech Sgt Allied Shop Foreman at the FLARNG Aviation Maintenance Shop, about 60 aircraft
Oleg Dou. Her images remind me of Mark Ryden http://www.markryden.com/ and Loretta Lux’ work.
I found this photographer Jessica Bruah by typing in “bizarre photographs”. I wouldn’t say these images are bizarre, but more quirky. The atmosphere/mood are difficult to pin point, are they supposed to be comical or sad? It looks like the housewife getting lost in a sea of chores, and some of the images look like they are attempting suicide. I love the colors, they are subtle but pop in the image.
FYI this Saturday from 11am-dusk in front of the main entrance to USF we will be protesting BP. Look for the “beach party” and signs. Anyone’s welcome to come, bring a sign, etc. Need information
Tampa, Florida - NEW
Saturday, June 12,11 am until dusk
University of South Florida (4202 E. Fowler Ave. at Main Entrance)
At the front of USF Tampa Campus on Fowler Ave where there is a lot of traffic- We will be using the Seize BP signs provided. Also we will be using signs with volunteer sites the public can go to, to sign up to volunteer. Signs of ruined wildlife also.
Contact: Facebook
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