““Art is not a mirror to hold up to society, but a hammer with which to shape it.””
Raise your paintbrush, fire your kiln, make ready your letterpress and prepare your photos. It’s time to speak out on social and political issues.
Between the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and recent political and social events, there’s a sense of tension and uncertainty in the air that is nearly tangible. Something completely undeniable for the creative collective of AmFab, however, is the blaring sound of the societal trumpet calling all artists & creatives to arms…
A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words
““An artist is not paid for his labor but for his vision.””
Throughout history, artists have used symbols and visuals to portray the past, make sense of the present, and influence future generations for years to come. Similarly, they have played a monumental role in influencing culture with their messages – especially in times of social revolution and civil unrest.
In these current times of dehumanization and isolation, art is more necessary than ever before. You see, art works to connect the disconnected, comfort the anxious, and inspire the individual thinker. Moreover, it helps to empower the dismantling of discriminative and suppressive old-world socioeconomic paradigms—and it does all this in a way that renders words and physical proximity unnecessary.
In addition, present-day art has a distinct opportunity that the early cave paintings didn’t have— the ability to reach hundreds, thousands, and even millions of individuals with the simple click of the button.
Using Art to Shape the Future
““Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.””
Because art has the power to mold and shape the future by encouraging others to think critically and independently of the powers that be, artists of today are faced with great responsibility. For this reason, AmFab challenges every creator around the globe to meditate on the two following questions:
1. What does reality look like right now?
2. How would I like reality to look?
Sit with the questions, observe the answers that come to mind, and think about future generations to come. Your vision can set passion aflame for all those who experience it. You and you alone possess the ability to conjure your ideal reality into existence, simply by breathing life into your artwork.
So, make a statement. Take a stand. Wield your artistic medium as weapons of honor and truth. Use your paintbrush, canvas, clay or camera to communicate a message of connection and community and shift reality into something truly beautiful.