Art and Politics Exhibition

Kathryn Maxwell, Tending the Genetic Garden II, screenprint, 13½ × 20½ inches, 2002

Art is political whether it was intended to be or not; this exhibition will focus on the activist realm of visual art. Activism is the use of direct, often confrontational action, in opposition to or support of a cause. In keeping with the IHR’s theme of Humanities and Political Conflict for the academic year 2008-2009, this exhibition re-examines activist art and its many approaches.

Art and Politics is an exhibition of 14 artists and 1 artist team including Marwin Begay, David Calton, Christine Dawdy, Claudio Dioochea-Canez, J.P. Flores, Matt Krise and Charles Banaszewski, Audrey Van Kirk, Marlys Kubicek, Kathryn Maxwell, Paulette Redmond, Susan Ritter, Marjorie Rogers, Florence Siekman, Joan C. Thompson, and Wendy Willis.

The artworks are response to movements, leaders, governments or corporations, or they advance a cause. In some cases the art explores how activism, nationalism and community pride are branded and communicated by individuals, governments, corporations or political campaigns. The works of art are also a lightening rod for conversation and debate. Each work responds to contemporary issues including but not limited to identity/post-identity, human rights, sustainability, globalization, and human health.

Email the curator John-Michael Warner for questions: John-Michael.Warner @ asu.edu