Art has always played a significant role not only in the society but in shaping our history. From the Renaissance up until now, artists use art as a medium towards change for the good. The impact it has brought upon politics is greater than we actually think. It was with Jose Rizal’s literature that set ablaze a fire of patriotism between Filipinos amidst the Spanish rule, as to how Former President Marcos damned small-time newspaper publications for their words, and at present day, with effigies and posters with the growing tyrannical rule. One thing remains constant— all forms of art; visual, applied, literary and performing arts, are used as a driving force for communal, economic, and socio-political concerns.
Activism and art intertwine intensely with one another. Both explores beyond the mere purpose of self-expression but also invokes a sense of responsibility. A responsibility driven by concern amongst the social and economic battles we all face as a nation and from all walks of life.
Art activism is an opportunity to advocate the masses whilst preserving one’s own artistic identity. It comes in all shapes and sizes, from creating placards, handouts, to large-scale artworks. It also forms bond amongst fellow artists, as it involves solidarity where one can learn from another. There are existing cultural mass organization groups that empower and mobilize artists among others towards social change. Alay-Sining and Panday Sining are artist collective groups that propagate mass-oriented and nationalistic artworks in hopes to battle the feudal, and bourgeois culture of the Philippines.
Art through activism is a call to reach out to the population that remains apolitical or unmindful of the current disputes. In all honesty, just the word “aktibista” incites negativity to the general public — often associated with eccentricity and hostile militancy. Activism is more than protests. With art, we can further inspire other people to make use of their talents as we all have our own degree of commitment in serving our people and our nation.
The youth of today should plunge deep within the commonalities to see first-hand their everyday struggles and to further arouse their sense of duty. When the art we create is to give voice to the experiences of the oppressed and marginalized people, it transforms into a catalyst of change. The same way Juan Luna’s “Spoliarium” battled the tyrannical regime of the Spaniards, when it bagged three gold medals at the Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in Spain in 1884. He was able to capture into canvass the socio-political reality Filipinos under Spanish rule lived in, plagued with injustice and harassment far from the values of the Catholic religion they imposed.
It implants the seed among others to become aware of the social injustices rampant in our nation. If we make use of art and integrate collectively, can we bring people together towards social cohesion where we can break through generations long ordeals. The world is desperately in need of the bold and the brave, whose intentions are to listen to the grievances of the masses, fight for what is right, and engage in opportunities that will bring us a step closer towards freedom. It will not be easy, nothing is.
There’s something enthralling about grasping art amidst an oblivious crowd; as to how I ponder about the artist who sprayed the graffiti on the wall or even the curated arrangements of flowers along the boulevard. They were all created for a purpose and as progressive artists, it is our aim to cause emotional experience, even if deemed uncomforting, that will lead to physical actions.