Ellen Toobin
Blog Post
This article is about a Venezuelan painter, Carolos Zerpa using art to “stand up” to large state powers, particularly the United States. Western observers argue that Zerpa’s message is offensive due to its pro revolution and anti- western message. Such a message however, has appealed to the Socialist dictator Hugo Chavez. Reportedly President Chavez himself has sanctioned both Mr. Zerpa and other street artists work with similar ideological inspiration. This article claims that such art has become a manifestation and even driving force behind the countries political and self-identity.
This article shows how political ideology is shaped in many ways, and even in this case through art. This new pro-government art suggests a blossoming medium of political policy design.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/12/world/americas/12caracas.html
Thanks, Ellen. Of course, art and politics go together quite often. Another example of political art is Botero's Abu Ghraib series of paintings. You can see some of them here. http://www.slate.com/id/2153674/slideshow/2153797/
ReplyDeleteSome IR theorists have worked on this as well, especially about the idea of art as critical theory. Check out, for example, some of Christine Sylvester's work, listed here. http://www.lancs.ac.uk/fass/politics/profiles/37/
You can find her work through CLIC net.
Art has been used for political criticism for many ears now, case in point political cartoons in newspapers(i hate them). Many times the people are unable to contend with the power of a government so they express and battle the government through other more creative forms in order to make their voice heard. It is a manifestation of how individuals can have a voice on the international stage which goes strongly against what realism has stated.
ReplyDeleteEllen! I am happy to see you have access to the blog :)
ReplyDeleteI think this is an interesting article, in that it demonstrates the power of individuals in changing political perspectives in society. It shows that not only the top dog politicians have a role and influence, but that campaigns such as these that convey messages sometimes swallowed by high politics can reach the people. Again, a demonstration of the critical "bottom up" perspective of IR.
I just did a project for another class that relates really well to this. I looked at the use of "new, small" media in Iran after the 2009 presidential elections. I also looked at "old, small" media during the 1979 Islamic revolution, including street art. One of the reasons it was so effective was because anyone could do it. Unlike a newspaper, which were strictly censored, anyone could spray something on wall, giving voice to those whose voices were otherwise silenced. In this case, everyone is marginalized, but still can have an active role in politics and international relations.
ReplyDeleteAlso, if anyone is really into political street art, they should check out Banksy's work. (http://www.banksy.co.uk/)