I chose the painting Guernica by Pablo Picasso because I feel that it’s an excellent example of artistic activism. This huge painting reflects the suffering of the Spanish citizens during the Spanish Civil War. The bombing by the german aviation over the town name Guernica was what inspired Picasso to create this painting. In it, we can see fear reflected in multiple faces because of the violence. There is a mother with her child who seems panicked, animals who also are freaking out about the situation, etc. The multiple tones of gray express sadness, sorrow, pain, hopelessness, and many other negative emotions. Also, this painting is huge, the measures are 11 ft 6 in x 25 ft 6 in, which I think brings more intensity to the emotions conveyed. I think this is artistic activism because it brought politics to the fine art world and Guernica expresses many of the terrible feelings experienced by the victims of the war. Another fact of the painting is that it was at the MoMA from 1939 until 1981, initially to collect funds for people affected by the war, but then Picasso refused to give it back to Spain until Democracy was achieved in the country again. The painting currently is at the Museo Reina Sofía in Madrid, Spain
I forgot about this piece, its one of those art pieces that you notice something different every time you look at it . No matter how many times it appears different varying on the angle from which you view it. What gives it that much more of a dramatic feel is the the black and white colors. Also its almost indigenous cavemen like characters which convey the sense of drama.
I totally agree with you that it is a piece of artistic activism, due to the fact that it is being a reference to the population of Villa Vasca de Guernica. Which was bombed by the Condor Legion of the German forces, also talks about how the bombing left a balance to the deceased, which Picasso tried to express. If I remember correctly, this same painting aroused popular reaction and affected international public opinion for a long time, as it was a sample of the atrocities that occurred during the bombing. In my high school years, in my Spanish class we talked about this great piece, so I’m talking about the information that I learned in that time, which was very valuable.
Wow, I would not view this painting as activism unless I knew the context. Thanks for sharing it! I agree that the style truly conveys some strong emotions and the more I look at it, the more frightening it feels (and I can only imagine how it feels to look at it in person, in its full size. I hope I will see it one day.