9/7/08

Politics & Culture

I've got my first mention in another blog, via good friend Kristi Vandenbosch at Politics & Culture.

In it, Kristi eloquently explores the meaning and value of political art. And does it far more intelligently than I could. Frankly, I hadn't thought much about the "meaning and value of political art." It just kind of seemed cool, and a timely and fascinating subject for a blog.

But the truth is, political art shouldn't be expected to sway opinions. It's a means of cheerleading, provocation, sometimes even satire or outright mockery. It can educate... maybe. Mostly, it reinforces a person's core beliefs about a candidate or issue. Obama as a figure of hope. Palin as a symbol of empowerment.

What I find most interesting is that political art, by its very nature, expresses the passion and emotional involvement not just of the artist, but of the vast public the artist represents who do not have the means, skills, or voice to express themselves. Unlike other forms of art, which are often personally expressive, political art is always socially expressive.

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