With things heating up in labor movements, the increase of book bans, and continued infringements on the rights of BIPOC and queer people across the country, the art of protest is more important than ever. And by art of protest, I mean not just the act of protesting, but the literal art that people make to be seen and heard – whether it’s a sign at a rally, an art installation, or a patch on your jacket. The following books showcase the art of protesting in all its forms (even if they all have the same title!). May they ignite your inspiration!
The Art of Protest: A Visual History of Dissent and Resistance by Jo Rippon highlights some of the most iconic protest posters from the last century of activism with full historical context. This book was published in collaboration with Amnesty International and features an introduction by legendary sculpture artist Anish Kapoor. Rippon, a notable children’s book author and editor, also has a young readers’ edition of this book called Rise Up! The Art of Protest that includes a chapter on youth protests.
Displaying a wide variety of materials and mediums through which youth can engage with art as protest, the collaborative book The Art of Protest by “artivist” De Nichols offers younger readers an easily digestible overview of art in protest movements throughout history, with a special chapter on youth-led protests and art. Although geared towards middle grade and high school students, the illustration and design displayed throughout the book is stunning and inspiring for all ages.
Starting with the Civil Rights movement of the mid-20th century up through the environmental protests of the early 21st century, WSU professor emeritus T.V. Reed expands the scope from visual art to include poetry and song in his book The Art of Protest: Culture and Activism from The Civil Rights Movement to the Streets of Seattle. Reed’s exploration of these mediums in relation to their corresponding protests is essential reading in understanding the importance and impact of art as protest.
Protest can also be a quiet thing, as Sarah Corbett shows us in her manifesto How to be a Craftivist: The Gentle Art of Protest. Whether you are an individual maker looking for ways to add your craft to a movement or someone searching for meaning in your craft, Corbett reminds us that “gentleness can be a great strength, and quiet action can sometimes speak as powerfully amid the noise as the loudest voice.” Consider the long history of quilting in protest movements, from slavery and Civil War times to the AIDS Memorial Quilt, which is considered the largest piece of community folk art in the world. In her book Craftivism: The Art of Craft and Activism, activist and fiber artist Betsy Greer shows how craftivism goes beyond the personal by highlighting individuals across the world who are transforming their communities through craft.
Find these titles and more here.
~ posted by V.
Leave a Comment