Social Activism and Justice through Art In this project, you will be asked to consider how you might be able to convey your ideas, thoughts and opinions about issues relating to social justice. You will create an artwork that will convey your ideas using images and text. The subject matter for this project is OPEN, however you must consult with me first so that I can direct you on the best path. You should stay within your capabilities as an artist.

There have been many tragic events that have made national as well as international news in recent months. They have sparked dialogue and debate, outrage and confusion, and for many intensified efforts to promote social, political, and economic change. While art is often used as a means to create something “beautiful” or aesthetically pleasing, it can also be used to draw attention to incidents of injustice. Through words and images, art can have the power to shift our thinking and change the way we look at certain issues. Elizabeth Catlett, Target, 1970 Bronze, 20x14x22 inches

Getting Started Step #1 Write down words in your sketchbook that convey your feelings, thoughts, and opinions as they relate to a particular issue; race, religion, sexual orientation, historical event or current news stories. The words you choose can also come from a song, a poem, or maybe what you have heard on the news or in conversations with friends. The words, as you decide, will be included in your work. The words below were selected by a student. Protests Riots Unfair No Justice Injustice Not Equal Speak out No peace

Create a painting of a pair of shoes (of your choosing) and include text within the painting. Why Shoes? – shoes can reflect a person’s life; suggesting to the viewer; what it might be like to walk in that person’s shoes. Find an image of a pair of shoes that best reflect the issue you plan to address. Use a “generic” image of a man and/or woman in a creative and meaningful way. Use a newspaper headline or a television screen within your work. Use the image of the world in a creative and meaningful way. Use the information on the following slides to help you formulate about your ideas. Step #2 Choose the image(s) that will be the focus of your artwork. It should be something that help you convey your ideas. Below are a few starting points for you to consider:

Chunn’s artwork exposes the political arena and the power of the media to define and control public opinion. Her work often includes drawing on, and manipulating the front pages of newspapers. To see more of Nancy Chunn’s work, Mr. Anderson has a book if you are interested. Nancy Chunn

Kruger's work often pairs photographs with assertive text that challenges the viewer about notions of feminism, consumerism, individuality and desire. Untitled (Questions), Barbara Kruger

Elizabeth Catlett Elizabeth Catlett created Target after the death of a black man who had been killed by Chicago police. The piece communicates her feelings about the police brutality suffered by African Americans in the United States. Catlett believed that art should provide a voice for those adversely affected by society, Target boldly expresses the violent police attacks on demonstrators during the Civil Rights Movement. Target, 1970 Bronze, 20x14x22 inches

Michael Ray Charles Charles’s work and research is an investigation into the legacy of historical racial stereotypes of African Americans. His work examines how African Americans have been viewed in American history and also how they have come to view themselves as a result of demeaning stereotypes.

Click on video attached to this project on my Moodle page to hear Michael Ray Charles talk about the inspiration behind his work. The video entitled, Michael Ray Charles.

David Hammons is an artist whose work reflects his commitment to the civil rights movements. In the sculpture below, the artist has placed basketball hoops on top of telephone poles to get young men to think about reaching “higher goals” rather than reaching for the less realistic goal of playing professional basketball. In the painting, Hammons has depicted civil rights activist Jesse Jackson as a white man with the question, “How ya like me now?”.

In Western Maryland there is a mountain ridge called, “Negro Mountain”. Watch the video posted on my Moodle page under this project. Listen as a real estate agent explains the history (origin) of the name. Do you notice anything glaring about how he justifies the origin of the name?

Native American sports team mascots have been in the news for sometime about whether it is appropriate or disrespectful to Native Americans. What do you think is going on in the image below?

How have Native Americans been represented in the media and through popular imagery?

Edgar Heap of BirdsEdgar Heap of Birds is a Native American activist and artist who uses art as a means for addressing issues related his heritage.

Daniel Chester French's, “The Concord Minutemen” is of an image of a Revolutionary War "Minute Man" found in Concord, Massachusetts, The statue is intended to represent a “typical” minute man of that time. There were hundreds of women, Native Americans and African Americans who fought against the British forces; not just white men as depicted in this sculpture. When we see statues or images such as this we should ask ourselves: Who is represented? Who is excluded? What do we learn about history?

The following images are a few examples of (Gilman) student art that were created with the intent to convey a message about issues related to social justice. Now it’s your turn! Revisit slides #3 and #4 to get started. See Mr. Anderson to get started….let your voice be heard!