Politically inspired art reflects extreme ends and bloated centers of the spectrum. As an art lover, I like to see creative work, sometimes regardless of its inherent I.Q. Funky is funny, elegant is awe inspiring, Right or Left interpretations at least deserve a nod for the sure hand that drew or crafted the piece.
But I confess, as a progressive, I find right-wing slanted art revolting and moderate-to-leftie art just plain joyful. That's the Rorchach, I guess. Thanks to Jon Stewart and Steven Colbert for giving me sanity over the last year. We partake of art. We react. We like what we like.
I gathered and posted some amusing art relative to both party conventions, au current.
Art for attendees of conventions? Yes, some for the Republicans, some for the Dems.
Some art is too randy for me to even publish on my blog, but I put links there if some brave eyes choose to venture there. Let's just say, if you appreciate satire, you'll probably get a kick out of some of it.
It turns out, even 'seed artists' at the Minnesota State Fair are very tuned in to American politics. "Seed art": an oddity that made me laugh when I saw the subject matter. If you are progressive, you may laugh, too. But if Republican..probably not so much.
Cartoons get more exposure than a lot of other forms, and there are some dandy cartoons this week posted for your enjoyment.
And there are some serious indie artists meeting in Denver this week. I would love to be in the middle of all of that. But since I'm not, I was delighted, viewing a cool little slide show. Political art this week
Here we are, on the day of an historic event. And the art of political theatre is robust. Chatter is noisier on all sides of the art-in-politics question. Columns at a stadium? The irritable Republican dogs are chewing on that bone today. Stagecraft was manipulated to high art with every Bush photo op, but Obama is 'presumptuous'? Presumptuous for celebrating the manifesting legacy of Dr. King? Bet there will be a few satirical cartoons on that topic. Find one? Let me know!
Appearances and reactions to them. All part of the game, and art plays a huge role in and outside the rules.
I, for one, have thoroughly loved the Democratic Convention via CSPAN this week, and the crescendo this evening should foster hope, pride and motivation to make our country and world a better place for everyone. IMO, political art is not limited to music, design and stagecraft. It's also the way we GOTV. Let's go, inspired and artfully inspiring.
Oh, and UPDATE: thanks for your votes for my Obama tee design contest entry. There are some very fun entries. I like a lot of them. Thanks for supporting any of the participating designers.