August 2, 1924- December 1, 1987
Close to 100 years since his birth James Baldwin work as novelist, playwright, poet, essayist, and cultural critic is being gazed upon for guidance in social justice. Baldwin did not blink in the faces of injustice not in his literary work or public spaces. He was clear that he considered the unique position of the artist as a challenge of societies protective delusions. Baldwin speaks of this in depth in his essay titled “The Creative Process”. Which also explores the loneliness of the artist who is usually at battle with dominate culture. The word Artivistism wasn’t a word to describe his social, political actions yet his art was the voice of his protest, of unpacking hidden racial, homophobia, economical biases in American culture. That said Baldwin’s life work represents the core of artivism. At a time of racial segregation, criminalizing of interracial marriage, homosexuality, and few platforms for critical thinking of race matters in America, Baldwin voice called out America’s failing democracy. He was as prolific in his public debates on matters on race as he was in his essays. The most noted took place at Cambridge University, James Balwin vs. William F. Buckley, both were referred to as American Titans. Buckley opposed the need for desegregation, Baldwin for its end the evening was described as volcanic.
One core conversations WYPA continuously explores ways activism shows up in our work intended or not. In 1930 Grant Wood’s 1930’s painting Magnum Opus caused a stir among Iowans, and critics. Iowans protested saying the painting made them look “Pinched, grim-faced, puritanical Bible Thumping.” Woods himself was quoted “Thought it a form of borrowed pretentiousness, a structural absurdity.” grant woods magnum opus – Search (bing.com)
Grant went on to share he painted people he thought should live in the house. What meaning do we discover as we read of social political climate in Grant’s time? The structure of the house and details of the people? Although Grant shared did not consciously intend to cause public stir, with or without his intentions the painting did. Has something in your art ever took you on an unexpected journey? send a your story, a link to your art and maybe it’ll be published in one of our future blogs: sugars982@gmail.com
Mahalo, Writefully yours,
Jovelyn, AD
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