How Artists Stand on the Front Lines of Political Resistance in America
“The Art of Protest” is a feature-length documentary that explores the crucial role artists play in political resistance movements throughout American history. From the Black Panthers to contemporary figures like Shepard Fairey, artists have contributed to some of the most significant acts of protest in the United States. The film is created by the anarchist artist collective Indecline and directed by Colin Day, known for the documentary “Saving Banksy.”
The documentary features a series of interviews with resistance artists from various backgrounds, ranging from famous figures like Pussy Riot’s Nadya Tolokonnikova, former Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra, and Black Panther Party’s artist Emory Douglas to lesser-known artists. The interviews are accompanied by B-roll footage of protests and art projects in the making, giving a comprehensive view of the art of protest in action.
Indecline’s involvement in the film highlights their longstanding commitment to resistance art. The collective started as a group of disillusioned youth using street art and punk rock as outlets to protest the direction of the country during the Bush administration. Since then, they have grown into a diverse collective with members from various artistic disciplines, including performance artists, poets, and teachers.
“The Art of Protest” aims to inspire and encourage young artist-activists to use their creative talents for social and political change. It emphasizes that art can serve as therapy and self-help while addressing intense topics like oppression, racism, misogyny, and fascism. The film strives to show resistance art as a positive and welcoming force that can empower individuals to stand against the powers that be.
Throughout the documentary, viewers witness various forms of protest art and the impact it can have on society. By spotlighting resistance artists and their contributions, the film sends a powerful message: that art can be a potent weapon against injustice and that even finding joy and fun in activism can be a form of resistance. Ultimately, “The Art of Protest” encourages audiences to embrace their creative potential and join the ranks of artist-activists to effect meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
🔭 This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.
