The Revolution and Art

Through history there has always been a relationship between civil disruptions and artists. The artists came in all forms, but even poets, who seem a gentle sort, have played roles. I think it was Neruda who was run out of Chili for subversive activity. As near as I can tell, he mostly wrote about love with women--and all that goes with that. But he was a commie, so what would we expect. Maybe a socialist as he hung out with Allende. The word on the street was he also like to go into long political diatribes, so there you go.

Picasso also did some rather dynamic paintings one of which hangs in the UN building and shows painful suffering caused by the invading fascist from Germany. Because of his presence in the art world his comments were see as an ultimate expression. Even to this day Guernicia symbolizes the struggles of man--I suspect that is why the UN has it.

As artists, I don't know where it leaves us. I remember a friend named Jack Beale who we met in New York who had gotten himself in trouble in Chicago for doing a painting that was shown in the Art Institute. It was during the 60s and Richard Daley was the mayor of the windy city. Jack thought it would be appropriate to do a very large, very realistic rendition of a steaming pile of dog crap sitting on the table. It is not that odd an idea but he had titled it. "The Daley Movement". It didn't go over well with the administration but the public loved it. Damned artists.

This last weekend we spent another day protesting the plans of one Governor Walker here in Wisconsin and I must admit we did not really apply our talents but it did occur to me. Maybe next time. However, some individuals did some exciting work that got my attention. One was a colorful painting of the state of Wisconsin. Attached to the state, or should I say mounted on the state, was a US flagged elephant, humping the bottom of our beloved state. The impression was we were getting screwed. Nice touch.

Also there were some clever statements that had a inspiring style and made a message that folks could remember. " Walker is a weasel, not a badger". I wanted to do a follow up of painting showing Bucky the Badger getting it on with the weasel with the caption. "Put it to 'em Bucky". One dude had a big candy sucker like sculpture with the title, "A Koch Sucker"

Then came this guy with the painting "The Scream". Wonderful touch and one has to admit it would get attention. Time for the artist to stand up.