Cases for Political Art | The Art Assignment | PBS Digital Studios

Summary

In this episode of *The Art Assignment*, Sarah Green delves into the power of political art, exploring how artists throughout history have used their work to challenge societal norms and address political issues. From Käthe Kollwitz’s poignant depictions of war to Picasso's *Guernica* and the Marukis’ Hiroshima panels, the episode highlights how art has been a vital tool for protest and reflection. Green emphasizes that political art not only calls attention to societal wrongs but also encourages viewers to question their own values, making it a critical force for change in both personal and global contexts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Political art reflects the diversity of political opinions and is a powerful tool for expressing dissent and activism.
• 😀 Art can serve as both a form of protest and support for movements, leaders, or societal issues, transcending time and context.
• 😀 Kathe Kollwitz's work uses printmaking to document the suffering caused by war, depicting the human toll on vulnerable groups.
• 😀 Kazimir Malevich’s 'Black Square' represented a radical departure from traditional art, challenging the status quo and embracing abstract forms to capture the upheaval of his time.
• 😀 Pablo Picasso’s 'Guernica' captures the horrors of war and its impact on civilians, particularly in response to the bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War.
• 😀 Iri and Toshi Maruki’s Hiroshima panels document the devastation caused by the atomic bomb, blending Japanese and Western styles to offer both a record of suffering and a plea for peace.
• 😀 Martha Rosler’s photomontages critique the Vietnam War, juxtaposing images of war with idyllic depictions of American domestic life to reveal the dissonance between reality and perception.
• 😀 Political art often engages with issues beyond war, addressing social justice, civil rights, and humanitarian crises, as seen in works like Elizabeth Catlett’s prints for the Civil Rights Movement.
• 😀 Tania Bruguera’s definition of political art emphasizes its power to engage, challenge, and provoke, making the viewer reconsider their values and beliefs.
• 😀 Political art does not just represent the artist's perspective; it encourages audiences to actively engage with uncomfortable truths and reframe their understanding of the world.

Q & A

What is the main theme of this episode of 'The Art Assignment'?

The main theme is political art, which explores how artists throughout history have used their work to address political issues, social justice, and movements, often as a form of resistance or to reflect societal struggles.

What does Sarah Green suggest about the nature of political art?

Sarah Green suggests that political art is not just about politics, but can encompass a wide range of issues and ideas. It is often part of a larger symphony of dissenting opinions and can challenge or support movements and leaders.

How did Kathe Kollwitz use art to address political and social issues?

Kathe Kollwitz used printmaking to depict the suffering of oppressed, poverty-stricken workers, especially women and children, during times of war. Her art was a response to both personal tragedy and the broader societal pain caused by war and injustice.

Why was Kathe Kollwitz forced to resign from her position at the Prussian Academy?

Kollwitz was forced to resign in 1933 by the Nazi government due to her socialist views and pacifism. She was also prohibited from showing her work during this time.

What is the significance of Kazimir Malevich's 'Black Square'?

Kazimir Malevich's 'Black Square' is significant because it marks the beginning of the suprematist movement, rejecting realism and traditional art forms. It symbolized a new reality and a break from the past, reflecting the radical changes in Russian society during the early 20th century.

What role did Malevich's abstract approach play in post-revolutionary Russia?

After the Bolshevik Revolution, Malevich's abstract art was used for revolutionary propaganda, helping to express the ideals of the new Soviet government and inspire future generations of artists.

What is the historical context behind Picasso's 'Guernica'?

Pablo Picasso's 'Guernica' was created as a response to the bombing of the Basque village of Guernica by Nazi Germany during the Spanish Civil War. The painting serves as a powerful protest against the horrors of war and the brutality of fascist regimes.

How did Iri and Toshi Maruki respond to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima through art?

Iri and Toshi Maruki created a series of 15 large panels over 32 years, depicting the suffering and trauma caused by the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Their work engaged with the memories of survivors and aimed to protest against the use of nuclear weapons.

What is the significance of Martha Rosler's 'House Beautiful–Bringing the War Home'?

Martha Rosler's photomontage series 'House Beautiful–Bringing the War Home' juxtaposes images of the Vietnam War with idyllic depictions of American suburban life, highlighting the disconnect between the reality of war and the domestic lives of Americans, urging viewers to confront the war's impact.

How does Sarah Green view the purpose of political art?

Sarah Green views political art as a way to challenge viewers, encouraging them to constantly reframe their values, question what is right and wrong, and consider the motivations of others. It serves as uncomfortable knowledge that stays with us and shapes our values.