Lecture: «Social Tectonics» by Brian Drolet, Executive Director

Описание мероприятия

Because something is happening here
But you don’t know what it is
Do you, Mister Jones?
                        -Bob Dylan –Ballad of a Thin Man

The artist has multiple roles and responsibilities in social movements.  One role is to make visible that which is unseen. What are the realities that give birth to social movements?  An artist should not just express what is dark and pessimistic. It is not enough to expose the forces that attempt to oppress people and restrict the human spirit. Activist artists should also reflect the aspirations people have for justice, peace, community.  Above all, an artist cannot be a “heavenly horse floating free.” Artists must be connected to the social movements. Those movements give rise to the creativity of the artist. They can contribute to an atmosphere of hope and realistic optimism. In his presentation Brian Drolet will explore examples of the impact of social movements on U.S. artists. And he will show examples of the influence that an artist's work has had on those social movements – from the massive movements of the 1960s to the uprisings today against racism and financial oligarchies.