Evan Brown
Instagram Art Intervention
My intervention pertains to the meaning/influence behind a few pieces of art/artists. It is no question that we have seen an uptick in political unrest in our country as of late. Nonetheless, much of the world is dissatisfied with their political leaders as well. In addition to that, the utilization of art intervention during these times is constant. Art comes in many different forms, one of those being social activism. Therefore, with the use of art that inspires, one can make social change. Hence, the point of Instagram Art Intervention; where one can find a steady flow of various art pieces that address socio-political issues. Given this, Théodore Géricault’sThe Raft of the Medusa 1818-1819 depicts an image deemed as “too gruesome” by critics at the time. However, Géricault aimed to paint an accurate picture for the audience of what truly happened following the aftermath of a war. By the same token, Max Ernst’s Europe After the Rain 1940-1942 portrays the surrealistic landscape of post-World War II Europe. Furthermore, Max Ernst was personally affected Nazi politics in Germany and felt deep resentment towards the regime. Another artist who was affected by the Nazi Party went by the name of Peter Kien, however, Peter painted his Watercolor of Terezin 1944 while he was actually imprisoned in Terezin. Sadly, he was deported to Auschwitz and brutally murdered thereafter at the age of twenty-five. However, he lives on through his work which proved to be essential in recalling the sheer truth of the holocaust. Norman Rockwell’s painting The Problem We All Live With 1964 is nothing short of intense, but neither was the American South in the 1960’s. Racism was still very much alive and because of social activism, our predecessors were able to make change. In Berlin, Dimitri Vrubel graffitied his world famous The Kiss From 1990 on the Berlin Wall. This was a testament to the formation of the new German Democratic Republic. Vrubel’s painting was especially groundbreaking because it depicted two men kissing each other. Not only were they successful in tearing down the Berlin Wall; however, more and more barriers continue to be broken. Therefore, in learning from the great artists and activists who came before us, using technology to enact political change is transcendent. Taking part in such an action is truly setting the precedent for generations to come. It is our duty to continue fighting for basic human rights in order to honor those who came before us. Not to mention, we must learn from our past and take everything in stride. Art intervention has proven to be greatly beneficial not only to the artist, but those who thoroughly enjoy it. With that, people gravitate towards art that is made to address social change because they can relate. Social issues such as racism, homelessness, and poverty are all products of society. In order to change our society, we must first change ourselves. In doing that, it is important to learn from the feelings the artists mentioned were trying to convey in their work. Instagram Art Intervention makes it easier for people of all ages to have access to inspirational work with a purpose. Social media is so easily accessible nowadays that nobody should be deprived of influential artwork. Therefore, Instagram Art Intervention aims to consistently provide our audience with expressive artwork that inspires social change.
Watercolor of Terezin ~ Peter Kien
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