Chapter 3, History from The Art of Activism by Steve Duncombe and Steve Lambert
“Jesus knew how to kick off a protest. When he entered the main temple of Jerusalem and saw people changing money and selling ritual objects, Jesus was pissed. He could have stood outside and harangued the passersby with his opinions on keeping sacred places sacred, the ancient equivalent of the activist on the soapbox, but instead he demonstrated his politics through a spectacular act of civil disobedience. He physically threw out the money changers and kicked over their tables, using his body and his actions to convey his message. It was an æffective political performance so provocative that news of hisdeed, and therefore his message, traveled throughout the city.” pg.89
When I read this quote it was very interesting to me. I was slightly confused but very interested in how the authors used the story of Jesus and compared it to activism.
“When we act in order to bring about social change, it’s important not only to “demonstrate” what we are against in the here and now, but also to create a vision of the world we would like to bring into being in the future.” pg.94
I enjoyed this quote because if anyone had thoughts of getting involved in activism it would help in knowing what direction is needed for starters. I agree that in order to facilitate change you need to lay out the future effects, not just show the change you’re trying to make.
“The mark of a good leader is to train others to lead, give them the tools to succeed on their own, and then get out of the way.” pg.96
I chose this quote because when I read it, it immediately made me think about a few things. One being how important this quote is. I believe that many people in higher positions or who are chosen to lead, get lost in the fact that they are on a higher pedestal and forget that being a leader means there are people who look up to or count on you. Many people rather be in control than uplift and teach others how they can be in that same position.
Khan Academy, Performance Art: An Introduction Webpages
“Shifting attention from the art object to the artist’s action further suggested that art existed in real space and real time.”
I enjoyed this quote because it made me think of art as a whole differently. We often see a painting or a sculpture and we automatically think “Woah, this is a beautiful piece of art”, but we won’t think of the physical means of art that was performed by the artist as they were creating the piece.
“....We must take time back into ourselves to let our consciousness breathe and our cluttered minds be still and silent. This is what art can do and what museums can be in today’s world."
I enjoyed this quote because it showed the authenticity of art. Art is used as a form of expression. When our minds are cluttered with thoughts and ideas, art gives us the opportunity to release what's in our heads.
‘Widewalls, Yoko Ono - A Groundbreaking Artist, Activist, and Fighter
“Even though she was frequently criticized and even ostracized by the press and the public, she fought her way through all the hardships with her creativity and challenging artwork.”
This quote was very inspirational. As women we have to fight so hard to be accepted into certain spaces, let alone her being an artist. Although the odds were against her she didn’t give up and fought her way into what she knew she deserved.
The simplicity of her work may have been derided for years, but it is exactly that which makes it greatly accessible.
I enjoyed reading this quote because it showed her persistence. It goes along with my first quote, the odds were always against her she was constantly ridiculed, but that didn’t stop her.
Hispanic Executive, Interview with Shaun Leonardo - Performance, Pedagogy, and Philosophy
“And so art wasn’t really within my vision as a child: I never quite know what inspired me, other than the moments where I did see and take in art.”
I liked this quote because of the resemblance with Kimberly Drew’s story. Just as Kimberly Drew, Shaun Leonardo also didn’t see himself going into the world world, it kind of just found him. Being in art spaces made them realize that the art world was something they belong in, because there was a difference to make.
“Artists have to offer a different type of slowness to work against the speed of today.”
I agree with this quote. The world is fast moving. There's always a new trend, whether it is a topic or clothing trend. In order to keep the authenticity of art, artists should not try to work fast to keep up.
Yoko Ono - Cut Piece
Cut Piece is one of Yoko Ono’s most influential performances. In this performance Ono sat on a stage and invited the audience to approach her and cut away her clothing. Ono’s Cut Piece was the first performance to address the potential for sexual violence in the public spectacle. This performance embodies both passive objectification of women and the active engagement of the audience to convey the loss of agency in being “stripped, scrutinized, and violated” by the audience.
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