CALLING ATTENTION TO A CAUSE

Art lives amongst us. Not only does it hang on the walls of prestigious galleries, but it surrounds us every day - from the graffiti painted across buildings to the innovative bridges and building designs that come to define cities across the globe. While sometimes it can be a means of aimless expression or a display of raw emotion, art allows the opportunity to exhibit a call attention to a cause in an unconventional manner. Artists like Ai Weiwei, Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, and Banksy have been doing so for years. Each of these celebrated artists’ authentic, unapologetic work not only catches the eye, but conveys a powerful message and possesses the ability to initiate positive change.

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Ai Weiwei, an acclaimed, contemporary Chinese artist, exemplifies the idea of using art to call attention to an idea and challenge the status quo. Living in China and growing up with a father who was exiled due to exercising freedom of speech has been a catalyst for his platform as an activist, “[calling] attention to human rights violations on an epic scale,” and as an artist, “[expanding] the definition of art to include new forms of social engagement” (The Art Story). Weiwei’s Good Fences Make Good Neighbors is a powerful city-wide exhibit made up of over 300 pieces and installations throughout New York City and “[utilizes] architecture and sculpture to jostle New Yorkers into recognition of the current socio-political environment, both locally and abroad (Feinstein).” The art draws a parallel between how the portrayed issues must be not only be acknowledged, but inspire the public to take action as they live amongst us everyday just as the fences across the city are weaved into our daily life when traveling from one part of the city to the other. Through his art, he conveys that we must confront the reality of the challenges facing humanity eventually. Installed in neighborhoods historically home to immigrants, the exhibition prompts people to engage directly with the issues of territory, borders, immigration, the refugee crisis, the city’s history, and the present global situation. Ai Weiwei’s powerful work is meant to build bridges of understanding between communities and inspire a sense of obligation. Central Park’s “Gilded Cage” is a “series of turnstiles that conjure the physical constraints of refugees” while Washington Square Park’s “Arch” enables “visitors to see themselves reflected in dual metal figures united in embrace, transforming the concept of the ‘security fence’ into a symbol of unity” (Feinstein). In a city of constant movement, Ai Weiwei’s work provokes people to stop and reflect and face the issues they tend to not prioritize. Using infrastructure, landscape, and the simple idea of the fence, each installation expresses “a different sensitivity, a different sensibility, that cumulatively tells a very powerful story (Feinstein).” Weiwei continues to ensure we are aware of the problems of our world with his art installation at Berlin’s Konzerthaus. Collecting over 14,000 life jackets worn by Syrian refugees fleeing their homeland to Lesbos, a Greek island, he made a daring statement on the columns of the Konzerthaus to demonstrate the lack of care and basic empathy shown toward the major breach in human rights in regards to the Syrian Refugee Crisis (Howard). His bold approach to art thus serves not only to provide awareness of global issues, but also to encourage viewers to be a part of the change that he wishes to see in the world.

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Similarly, Tatyana Fazlalizadeh fearless art supports a global movement of women to raise their voices about injustices they face daily. Her most recognized work, Stop Telling Women to Smile, is a series of illustrations that voice direct thoughts of women who have experienced street harassment and catcalling. The empowering art portrays women with a single statement and has been displayed in the streets of cities around the globe including New York City, Paris, and Mexico City (Kwateng-Clark). Fazlalizadeh thus is not only bringing attention to an issue she holds dear, but is reminding society of the lack of respect with which they treat women. Adding to the landscapes of the places where her work appears, she has taken advantage of the opportunity to use her art as a catalyst to bring about positive change. Tatyana Fazlalizadeh’s intrepid mural America is Black displayed in Oklahoma City is another powerful work of art that “addresses those who gave credence to the racist, xenophobic, and misogynistic language that dominated the president-elect’s campaign… and pays homage to black Americans, Muslim Americans, American women, Latino Americans, and American immigrants… so loudly forsaken by the dangerous rhetoric of Trump’s camp” (Frank). Not only does it challenge whiteness, but it also serves as a declaration “that people who are non-white and male are a part of this country, are integral to this country, and are not going anywhere” (Frank). In light of the negativity surrounding Trump’s campaign and election, Fazlalizadeh utilizes her art to spread a message of resilience and appreciation for diversity, while encouraging minority groups to not fear the rise of a leader, who fails to see the beauty in our differences.

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Banksy, a celebrated British graffiti artist, also uses the city landscape around the globe to display his striking public art which calls attention to many of society’s flaws. His 2005 graffiti work, Rage, the Flower Thrower, “features a man dressed up in... traditional riot gear, with a bandana obscuring his face... taking aim and is ready to throw his weapon. However, instead of a weapon, he holds a bunch of flowers, which are the only part of the mural to appear in color” (Important Art by Banksy). The piece which is displayed in Bethlehem advocates peace in an area in high-conflict. It also beautifully exhibits the choice that humanity has - to fight back to love or hate. The art is simple, yet conveys powerful message of nonviolence and harmony. Another of Banksy’s work, Show Me the Monet, is another example of how he uses art to spread a message to be a catalyst for positive change. The oil painting is a recreation of Claude Monet’s Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies (1899) with a twist. A tranquil scene of a garden reflection in calm water is refigured to display the pond with an addition of two disregarded shopping carts and a traffic cone. The piece sheds light on society's obsession with material goods, and pattern of buying more than they need, a failed attempt to feel more happy and fulfilled (Important Art by Banksy). Furthermore, he critiques society’s “disregard for nature in favor of commodity fetishism and the production of excessive waste” (Important Art by Banksy). Even the title is a play on words for humanity’s fixation on money. Through art, Banksy creatively and successfully exposes the flaws of mankind to ultimately promote awareness of our intentions and actions.

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The unapologetic, and thought-provoking work of Ai Weiwei, Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, and Banksy, thus not only add to the various landscapes they are exhibited among, but share a unique, powerful message prompting necessary change. Arts serves society as a voice and platform to relay varied outlooks on life and the major issues that face our world. As it lives amongst us and in our hearts, artists and their art consistently shape our perspectives while calling attention to causes through untraditional means.