Art as a Venue for Political Commentary and Social Consciousness

Abstract

<p>Art has been used in Latin America as a vehicle of social change for over two-hundred years. North America concentrates the teaching of art mostly on observation and the mastery of techniques. This study brings to light the differences between the Latin American focus on subject matter and the American focus on mastery of technique. The subject is relevant to our times because art is an international language. Mexico utilized images to present its history to an illiterate population at the end of the Mexican Revolution. Art can cross borders and break the language barriers that hinder communication. Messages of social justice and the promotion of peaceful conflict resolution nurture an appreciation on a global scale for the unity of the human experience. Socialpolitical art presents the opportunity for a cultural exchange that fosters finding commonalities. A dialogue of art can promote respect for diversity and trigger empathy for others that can lead to action.</p><p>This presentation occurred at the Wright State University Campus-Wide Celebration of Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities on April 16, 2010</p>