Politically motivated Art.

The main topic, currently, on the minds of most students or those about to apply to university, is the debate over university fees; and more importantly the decision to raise them to double their current amount (and in 'exceptional circumstances' triple.). 

I do agree that the government faces a difficult task of cutting the deficit, and therefore choosing which government funded areas to cut money from, however I'm not entirely convinced that having those who will be starting their working lives in a very difficult economic climate, with extreme competition for jobs and large house prices, also having the added burden of a possible £40,000 debt over their heads as well. 

However, I DO agree that any cause of debate in the world around us, especially politically motivated issues that affect many people directly, is a good basis for Art. 

Art that is created because of feelings or emotions about something many people are coping with or dealing with, makes it a real experience and completely relevant to the viewer.

I've begun looking into people/ groups who have responded to political events of their times using art. 

www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2008/sep/18/art.coldwar is an article on the artists and work that were developed during the Cold War. 

www.guerrillagirls.com is a feminist group which uncovers the dishonesty and discrimination all around us in. Racism, sexism, corruption in politics etc. They are very visual and also create posters, billboards etc. 

The poster above is from a guerrilla girls campaign in 2005.

www.judebuffum.com is brilliant. Buffum's work is a perfect example of what I am suggesting in politically motivated art.

My work stuff

Here is some of the work I've done recently that I quite like. It's all based around an abandoned shed I found, and the idea of it being an empty shell. Although if the shed is reversed into a negative image, suddenly the building has something inside and the whole idea is changed.
I have used a variety of ways to investigate the idea. I find using charcoal/chalk demonstrates; a, the contrast between the inside and outside of the shed, and b, the actual idea of the shed being filled with something.  The shed appears 'lit-up' from the inside which is exactly the idea I am going with.

Photocopy,celulose thinners, biro.

pencil, acrylic,fineliner.

(negative image) charcoal, chalk.

(negative image) oil-based printing ink

(negative image) oil-based printing ink, newspaper,lace,ink. 

 

newspaper, synthetic materials (cut/stuck with soldering iron), thread.