7.1 The role of art in the Black Lives Matter movement
5 min read•august 13, 2024
The Black Lives Matter movement has harnessed art's power to amplify its message and inspire change. From murals to music, artists have created powerful visuals and performances that raise awareness about racial injustice and police brutality.
Public art, like street murals and protest songs, has played a key role in shaping public discourse around BLM. These creative expressions have helped mobilize activists, reach new audiences, and create a shared visual language for the movement.
Art as Activism for Black Lives Matter
The Role of Art in Raising Awareness
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Black Lives Matter: The Emotional and Racial Dynamics of the George Floyd Protest Graffiti View original
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Race, Ethnicity, and Discrimination | Introduction to Sociology View original
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- The Black Lives Matter movement, founded in 2013 by Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi, is a decentralized social movement that campaigns against violence and systemic racism towards black people
- Art has played a significant role in the Black Lives Matter movement by creating powerful visual imagery, slogans, and symbols that communicate the movement's message and demands for racial justice
- Artists have used various mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and digital art, to depict the faces and stories of victims of police brutality, such as George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Michael Brown, humanizing them and highlighting the injustice of their deaths
- Street art, such as murals and graffiti, has been used to create public displays of solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and to reclaim public spaces as sites of protest and resistance
Performance and Music as Activism
- Music artists have released songs that address police brutality, systemic racism, and the Black Lives Matter movement, using their lyrics to raise awareness, express frustration and anger, and call for change
- , such as dance and theater, has been used to embody the experiences of black people and to create visceral, emotional responses in audiences that raise awareness about racial injustice
- Hip hop and rap music have long been used as a form of social and political commentary, with artists using their platform to speak out against police brutality and systemic racism (Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole)
- Musicians have used their performances and public appearances to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement (Beyoncé's 2016 Super Bowl halftime show featuring backup dancers dressed as Black Panthers)
Visual Arts and Public Discourse
The Power of Visual Imagery
- Visual art, music, and performance have played a significant role in shaping public discourse around the Black Lives Matter movement by creating a cultural narrative that challenges dominant representations of black people and racial injustice
- Powerful visual imagery, such as photographs of protests and police brutality, has been widely circulated on social media and in the news, sparking public outrage and calls for change
- Political art, such as posters and graphics, has been used to create a visual language for the movement, with slogans like "Black Lives Matter," "I Can't Breathe," and "No Justice, No Peace" becoming rallying cries for protesters
- Visual art has the ability to reach a wide and diverse audience, including people who may not otherwise engage with the Black Lives Matter movement or social justice issues, by inserting political messages into everyday spaces and routines
The Impact on Public Discourse
- The impact of visual art, music, and performance on shaping public discourse around the Black Lives Matter movement can be seen in the increased visibility of the movement, the mobilization of activists and allies, and the shift in public opinion towards recognizing systemic racism as a pressing social issue
- Music has been used to create anthems for the movement, with songs like Kendrick Lamar's "Alright" and Beyoncé's "Formation" becoming unofficial protest songs that inspire and mobilize activists
- Performance art has been used to create public spectacles that disrupt business as usual and force people to confront the reality of racial injustice, such as the "die-ins" staged by Black Lives Matter activists in public spaces
- The creation of public art can also serve as a form of community building and collective action, bringing people together to collaborate on projects that express shared values and experiences
Artists as Advocates for Racial Justice
Using Platforms for Advocacy
- Artists across various disciplines have used their platforms to advocate for racial justice and support the Black Lives Matter movement, leveraging their visibility and influence to raise awareness and mobilize fans and followers
- Visual artists have created works that directly address police brutality and systemic racism, such as Dread Scott's "A Man Was Lynched by Police Yesterday" flag and Mark Bradford's "Pickett's Charge" installation
- Celebrity artists have used their social media platforms to amplify the voices of Black Lives Matter activists, share resources and information, and encourage their followers to take action, such as by attending protests, donating to bail funds, or contacting elected officials
Collaborations and Financial Support
- Artists have collaborated with Black Lives Matter activists and organizations to create public art projects and events that raise awareness about racial injustice, such as the "Say Their Names" memorial project, which features portraits of victims of police brutality
- Some artists have also used their financial resources to support the Black Lives Matter movement (The Weeknd donated 1 million to Black Lives Matter)
- Musicians have used their performances and appearances to show solidarity and advocate for change (Kendrick Lamar's 2016 Grammy Awards performance included a reenactment of a prison chain gang)
- Collaborations between artists and activists help to amplify the message of the Black Lives Matter movement and reach new audiences
Public Art and the Black Lives Matter Movement
Murals and Street Art as Expressions of Solidarity
- Public art, such as murals and street art, has played a significant role in the Black Lives Matter movement by creating visible and accessible expressions of solidarity, protest, and demands for racial justice in public spaces
- Murals depicting the faces and names of victims of police brutality have been painted in cities across the United States, serving as powerful memorials that honor their lives and humanize their stories
- Street art, such as graffiti and wheat-pasted posters, has been used to create guerrilla-style interventions in public spaces, often featuring political slogans, calls to action, and images of protest and resistance
- During the 2020 protests following the murder of George Floyd, street artists created impromptu murals on boarded-up storefronts and buildings, transforming them into canvases for political expression
Reclaiming Public Spaces
- The ephemerality and illegality of some forms of street art, such as graffiti, can also be seen as a form of resistance against the very systems of power and oppression that the Black Lives Matter movement seeks to dismantle
- Public art has also been used to reclaim and redefine public spaces as sites of protest, mourning, and remembrance, such as the creation of the "Black Lives Matter" mural on 16th Street in Washington D.C., near the White House, during the 2020 protests
- The creation of public art can serve as a form of community building and collective action, bringing people together to collaborate on projects that express shared values and experiences
- Reclaiming public spaces through art allows the Black Lives Matter movement to assert its presence and demands in the face of systemic oppression and erasure
Key Terms to Review (18)
Aesthetic activism: Aesthetic activism refers to the use of artistic practices and creative expressions to challenge social injustices and promote social change. This form of activism highlights the importance of aesthetics in conveying powerful messages, often transforming public spaces and personal narratives into platforms for advocacy. By merging art with activism, aesthetic activism seeks to engage communities, provoke thought, and inspire action through visual representation and creative storytelling.
Anti-apartheid art: Anti-apartheid art refers to creative expressions that emerged to resist and challenge the apartheid regime in South Africa, particularly from the 1960s to the 1990s. This form of art played a crucial role in raising awareness about the injustices of apartheid, mobilizing activism, and fostering a sense of unity and resistance among oppressed communities. It encompasses various mediums such as visual arts, music, theater, and literature, all aimed at critiquing systemic racism and advocating for social justice.
Artivism: Artivism is the practice of using art as a form of activism to promote social change and raise awareness about pressing issues. This approach highlights the intersection between creativity and advocacy, allowing artists to express their perspectives while inspiring communities to engage in social justice movements.
Civil Rights Movement: The Civil Rights Movement was a social and political movement in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s aimed at ending racial discrimination and securing equal rights for African Americans. This movement not only sought to dismantle systemic racism but also inspired various forms of artistic expression that highlighted injustice and inequality.
Community mural projects: Community mural projects are collaborative art initiatives where community members come together to create large-scale murals that reflect their shared experiences, values, and identity. These projects often serve as a powerful form of expression, bringing awareness to social issues and fostering a sense of belonging among participants. They can transform public spaces into vibrant artworks that invite dialogue and encourage community engagement.
Critical Pedagogy: Critical pedagogy is an educational approach that emphasizes the importance of teaching students to question and challenge power structures and societal norms. It advocates for education as a tool for social change, encouraging learners to engage with issues of social justice, inequality, and cultural relevance through critical thinking and dialogue.
Cultural resistance: Cultural resistance refers to the ways in which individuals and communities challenge dominant cultural narratives and practices through art, expression, and creative activism. This concept highlights how art can be a powerful tool for social change by promoting alternative perspectives and advocating for marginalized voices.
Identity politics: Identity politics refers to political positions and movements that are based on the interests and perspectives of social groups with which people identify, such as race, gender, sexuality, or ethnicity. It emphasizes the unique experiences and struggles of these groups, aiming to empower marginalized communities and address systemic inequalities. This concept is deeply connected to how art can serve as a voice for these identities, particularly in movements focused on social justice.
Injustice case: An injustice case refers to a specific instance of unfair treatment or violation of rights that highlights systemic inequalities and discrimination within society. These cases often become focal points for social movements, igniting public outrage and sparking calls for change. The visibility and discourse surrounding these cases can be amplified through various forms of expression, including art, which plays a crucial role in raising awareness and mobilizing communities toward justice.
Kehinde Wiley: Kehinde Wiley is a contemporary American portrait painter known for his vibrant and large-scale paintings that often depict people of color in poses traditionally reserved for European aristocracy. His work confronts systemic racism by reclaiming representation and challenging the historical narrative of art that predominantly features white subjects, thereby contributing to broader dialogues about race and identity.
Muralism: Muralism is an artistic movement focused on creating large-scale murals, often in public spaces, that convey social and political messages. This form of art serves as a powerful medium for storytelling, community engagement, and activism, often reflecting the struggles and aspirations of marginalized groups while fostering social change.
Participatory Art: Participatory art is an art practice that actively engages the audience in the creative process, allowing them to contribute to and shape the artwork. This approach emphasizes collaboration, interaction, and community involvement, making the audience a vital part of the artistic experience and often addressing social issues through collective action.
Performance art: Performance art is a live art form that combines various artistic disciplines, including visual art, theater, dance, and music, to convey a concept or provoke a reaction. This art form often emphasizes the presence of the artist and can involve audience interaction, blurring the lines between creator and viewer, which enhances its potential for social commentary and change.
Political engagement: Political engagement refers to the active participation of individuals and groups in the political process, which can include activities such as voting, advocacy, protests, and community organizing. This term emphasizes the importance of citizens taking initiative to influence policy and societal change, particularly in response to issues of injustice and inequality.
Say Their Names Memorial: The Say Their Names Memorial is a powerful artistic tribute that honors individuals who have lost their lives to police violence and systemic racism. It serves as both a remembrance of these victims and a call to action, highlighting the ongoing struggle for justice and equality within society. This memorial utilizes art as a medium to evoke emotional responses, raise awareness, and foster conversations around racial injustice, making it an integral part of the broader movement for social change.
Social Critique: Social critique is an artistic and intellectual approach that aims to analyze and challenge societal norms, injustices, and power structures. It often uses various mediums to communicate messages that provoke thought and inspire change, highlighting issues like inequality, discrimination, and systemic violence. This approach can take many forms, including visual art, literature, and performance, seeking to engage audiences in a dialogue about pressing social issues.
Theaster Gates: Theaster Gates is a prominent artist and social practice advocate known for his work in community development, urban renewal, and cultural engagement through art. He creates projects that address social issues such as gentrification, displacement, and cultural identity, integrating elements of performance, sculpture, and installation to foster dialogue and healing within communities.
Visual culture: Visual culture refers to the aspects of culture that are expressed through visual means, including art, media, and everyday objects. It encompasses how images, symbols, and visual artifacts influence society and shape our understanding of various issues. This term is crucial in examining how visual representations can communicate messages about identity, power dynamics, and social justice themes.