A curated collection of artwork resonating with our outlined themes
The Medu Art Ensemble (1985-1997)
https://thetricontinental.org/dossier-71-medu-art-ensemble/
An example of a collective that used art to communicate unity and empower. The Medu Art Ensemble group operated in exile, primarily in Botswana, and their mission was to use art as a tool for activism, education, and empowerment during the apartheid era in South Africa.
“Free Free Palestine! Art for resistance” at Casa UVW gallery, London 05/24
https://www.uvwunion.org.uk/en/news/2024/05/free-free-palestine-art-for-resistance/
An exhibition earlier this year with a similar theme of solidarity, exhibiting a variety of art mediums.
Maisara baroud: An artist in Gaza
Maisara Baroud, an artist and lecturer from Gaza City, has faced the constant challenge of maintaining a normal life under the shadow of the Israeli-Egyptian blockade since 2007. Despite the hardships and multiple displacements following escalated conflict since October 7, 2023, Baroud continues to create art in his neighborhood of Rimal.
Sara qaed
Sara Qaed is a Bahraini artist and cartoonist whose work explores socio-political themes through satire and powerful visual narratives. She is known for her sharp, thought-provoking illustrations that tackle issues such as identity, migration, power structures, and social justice. Sara often uses humor and irony in her art to critique and question the status quo, making her work both accessible and impactful.
the widow by Marlene Dumas
Marlene Dumas is a South African-born artist known for her emotionally charged paintings, drawings, and prints. Her work often explores themes of identity and the human body, frequently referencing media images and historical art. Through her evocative and sometimes unsettling imagery, Dumas addresses complex socio-political issues, including race, gender, and power dynamics. She uses both abstraction and figurative techniques to create works that challenge the viewer's perceptions and confront uncomfortable realities.
Train churches by santu mokofeng
Santu Mofokeng was a South African photographer renowned for capturing the nuanced experiences of Black South Africans under apartheid and beyond. His series Train Churches documents informal religious gatherings on commuter trains, blending spirituality and the harsh realities of daily life. Mofokeng’s work goes beyond documentary photography, delving into themes of memory, identity, and faith. His powerful images are known for their subtlety and depth, often revealing the complex social fabric of post-apartheid South Africa.
The Worker’s Hands by TIna modotti
A powerful photograph that reflects her dedication to social justice and the dignity of labor. Known for her blend of political activism and artistry, Modotti used photography to highlight the struggles and strength of the working class.
The grey drape by Martha Rosler
Martha Rosler's The Grey Drape is a photographic work that explores domestic life, gender roles, and consumerism. Part of her House Beautiful: Bringing the War Home series, the image juxtaposes a serene, idealized domestic setting with deeper, unsettling political and social commentary. Rosler often used photomontage to critique the disconnect between media representations of home life and the realities of global conflict and power structures. The Grey Drape serves as a powerful critique of consumer culture and the ways media shapes societal expectations.
PALESTINE AND THE BROKEN MISSILE BY PETER KENNARD
Peter Kennard's Broken Missile and Palestine are powerful photomontages that use stark, impactful imagery to critique war, militarism, and the oppression of Palestinian people. In Broken Missile, Kennard disrupts the symbol of military power by showing a shattered missile, symbolizing the futility and destruction of war. Palestine draws attention to the suffering and struggles of Palestinians under occupation. Through his raw, striking style, Kennard creates visual protests that challenge the viewer to reflect on global injustices and human rights violations.
ABC: a lesson in history by lara baladi
Lara Baladi’s ABC in History is a multimedia artwork that examines the intersection of history, memory, and politics. Through a complex layering of images, symbols, and texts, Baladi reflects on the way history is written, taught, and interpreted, challenging dominant narratives and power structures. The piece invites viewers to question how historical events are represented and how these representations influence collective memory. Baladi’s work often integrates archival material, creating a visual critique of the manipulation of historical records.
more to come soon :) x