Chapter 5 of “The Art of Activism, Your All-Purpose Guide to Making the Impossible Possible by Steve Duncombe and Steve Lambert”
“By listening to the stories that people already tell themselves, we can begin to figure out how to fit our facts into their stories.” [Pg 188]
I agree with this quote. The most important thing is understanding people’s thought processes before stating your opinions and facts. If a person is adamant about their beliefs or interests, we need to listen to their stories and then share our thoughts with them in a passive, thoughtful way that won’t villainize them.
“We need to recognize that people are full of contradictory ideas, then bypass the ideas and associations that run counter to our objectives.” [Pg 193]
I’m glad this book states this fact because I tend to feel guilty when I contradict myself. This quote also made me think about the people around me and realize it is true for everyone. People are hypocritical creatures, and we need to understand that before judging and categorizing one another in a way that may harm the individual.
“Protests often focus on ‘taking up’ space, but, through surprise, they can also ‘open up a temporal, experimental space where anything can come in.’” [Pg 200]
When I started this class, I thought protest art had to show and tell a message for the audience to understand. But I have learned that art activism can be conceptual and abstract and take many forms outside the straightforward. The out-of-the-ordinary projects I’ve read have definitely opened my mind to a new way of thinking about what defines art and activism and what this piece is really for. I’ll keep this in mind for my next intervention.
Chapter 6 of “The Art of Activism, Your All-Purpose Guide to Making the Impossible Possible by Steve Duncombe and Steve Lambert”
“The aim of an advertiser is not, ultimately, to change our minds, but to get us to buy particular products; in short, to translate their ideas into our actions.” [Pg 212]
Advertisements are scary, but they are often very persuasive with their ideas and pitches. I understand why the authors want art activists to learn from advertisers. They are doing the same thing we’re doing: getting their message to the audience in a way that is easy to understand, and that persuades action. While doing my final intervention, I will also look at advertisements, as suggested by the book!
“The weight of each side depends on the importance placed on each factor by the individual (or group).” [pg 221]
I think about the pros and cons when it comes to activities all the time. I always weigh the pros more than the cons and vice versa for specific opportunities. When I do that, the action immediately gives me my answer even if I delay my response because I may not like the answer I have come to. However, I sometimes need to remember that other people do that, too. I remember watching a reality show and was baffled at the actions the people in the show made. But now, I understand their choices must’ve also gone through the cost-benefit analysis. This quote is a good reminder for me!
“To target them [haters] as our audience only absorbs our focus and limits our ideas.” [Pg 235]
I chose this quote because I agree with it. Coming from an arts background, I had to learn that I could not please everyone. Of course, I can listen to people because they may have something valid to be mad about, or they are expressing criticism in a harsh way. But, I always take a piece of advice my creative writing teacher taught me: at the end of the day, this is my artwork. Attempting to please everyone, especially those who already hate you, won’t improve your art.
24HR Museum
The Skoghall Konsthall, or the 24HR Museum in the textbook, was created by Alfredo Jaar in 2000. Visiting Skoghall, Sweden, Konsthall noticed that there was no museum in the city. He went to the Stora Enso corporation and requested to build a gallery, and they said yes! (ART-SHIT IDIOCY) He instructed his team to create the building out of paper and wood. Then, he invited the townspeople to bring their artwork to the museum and have them displayed for everyone to admire. Then, after twenty-four hours, he removed the art from the building and burnt the gallery down. This project affected me because it was something I would have never expected. Konsthall played with the people’s heartstrings by introducing the people of Skoghall to the world of sharing art and then taking it away from them in a second. The project started as something subtle and grew into a loud surprise that invoked action from the townspeople. Because they finally understood the importance of art in a public space, the Skoghall citizens petitioned for the construction of an art museum! This piece inspired me to think of subtle projects (within or outside this class) that can make a massive impact on the audience I am trying to reach.
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