Art as Activism Reflection

Today we visited Jens Galschiøt and in complete honesty, I can’t remember everything he said or told us. But I can remember every art piece. From the Fundamentalism piece to the woman on the cross, the image and feelings that came with each piece stuck. The feelings that art evokes and everything about the visual, from the scale to the details, stay with people. Art can be symbols, signs, and motifs for movements and messages. It is an incredibly valuable form of activism due to its emotional impact, global reach, storytelling, potential for connection, and much more. Art touches people, but it can also travel the world, just like I Am Queen Mary. It can illustrate a story and just as Jens Galschiøt said, “art fills the gaps between words.” The freedom and diverse interpretation of art allow it to evoke emotions and create a connection that words sometimes can’t. It’s not only a form of self-expression, but it has the power to illustrate identities and motifs. Art can connect and unify people while also dividing and challenge people. It can inspire and provoke. In other words, “art makes noise.” While noise can be deafening, it can be a powerful and valuable tool for activism.