Using your art as a powerful tool for activism

Today, the need for social justice and activism is more prominent than ever before. As creatives, art can become a powerful tool to spark change within our lives and those around us.

Using art for activism is about shaking tables by challenging the status quo. To bring about change we need our voices to be heard, and our visions to be seen which art gives us the opportunity to showcase. Through art, we create a platform to freely voice our passions, educate, uplift and establish meaningful connections with others.

Drawing inspiration from your own experiences and the issues that matter most to you creates authentic storytelling that is important when creating art for social justice activism. For me, my vision of a more just and inclusive future is a big inspiration point for my art. In 2020, I really tapped into my artistic state and found a way to illustrate some of the key moments, thoughts and emotions that the Black community collectively felt. During an overwhelming time, illustration became a powerful tool that helped me to connect with others, share experiences, and educate on issues that matter to me.

Whether through illustration, sculpture, photography, painting, or performing arts, there are many ways we can harness our creative energy and move towards change.

The process can be a protest

In a society that often regulates creativity, to express your authentic self through your craft, and allow your energy to flow freely is a form of protest. You are affirming your individuality and daring to be different, creating a space that nurtures your thoughts and those of the people in your community.

"But how do I embody my authentic self?”

Embodying your authentic self means being true to who you are and expressing yourself in a way that feels natural to you. To get there, you have to know yourself which takes time and a lot of self-reflection. Ask yourself: ‘What am I passionate about? What do I really believe in? When you know who you are, you can create work that aligns with your vision. Creativity is an energy that allows us to think and create big! With the right medium, our tools become a mouthpiece, expressing who we are.

Remember, embodying your authentic self is a journey so take your time and enjoy the process.

Using symbolism to tell stories

Symbolism in art uses images or objects to represent deeper, more abstract emotions and ideas. It’s almost like a secret language that you can use to create impactful imagery that speaks without words. For example, you could create a piece that focuses on racial equality using specific colours to tell multiple stories. I like to use butterflies and specific plants that represent growth and freedom to add layers to my art. The canvas is endless!

Once you have a piece that tells a story, it can become educational tools, raise funds through donating a portion of sales, or become protest signs. There are so may ways to get involved through art that you already have or the pieces that are yet to be created.

Uplifting voices

Art can become a release and a way to amplify the voices that often go unheard (which includes yours!) When you can’t find the words to speak, art is able to communicate and translate your feelings into a piece that tells your story.

You could create a piece that speaks on nature being a human right. This amplifies the voices of communities who are often displaced to highly polluted areas with minimal green space, lack of clean water and food that is essential to our physical and mental health. Shedding light on issues around the world isn’t restricted to one medium. A painting, garment or short film could illustrate the same issues in different ways.

Collaborating for change

Change comes about when communities pull together, lifting each others voices to achieve a meaningful impact. You could collaborate with other creatives and activists, working to share important messages through fresh viewpoints and combined mediums. Come together for a community project to inspire young people to think and live in a way that secures our future. Your art can really become a point of inspiration so never doubt your power as a creative!

Art is anything that allows your creative energy to flow. Whatever art forms you choose to create with, you can use your creativity for activism. As we continue to find new ways to progress towards the future, art will always be a powerful tool that unites and fuels the changemakers.