Title: A Brief History of Protest Art
Headings: A Brief History of Protest Art
A Brief History of Protest Art
From the Dadaists to Guerrilla Girls, here are the most politically impactful artists of the last century.
The Dadaists
Mexican Muralists
Jacob Lawrence
Gordon Parks
Danny Lyon
William Kentridge
Ana Mendieta
Guerrilla Girls
Feminist Studio Workshop
Carrie Mae Weems
Nancy Spero
PAD/D
Martha Rosler
Felix Gonzalez-Torres
Get the best of Format Magazine delivered to your inbox.

Content: But they can also use their talent and vision to aid a movement. For example, artist Christo decided to walk away from a project that has cost $15 million of his own money, as well as over 20 years to create, in what the New York Times called “the art world’s biggest protest yet.” Action from other artists seems imminent. Could a move to snuff out art funding reveal a desire by the current administration to quiet critical voices? Throughout history, artists have participated as adamant reactionaries to unjust political actions. They’ve been outspoken protesters during the Vietnam War in the 60s and 70s, among endless other instances. They are often the first community to speak out on behalf of human rights and against oppression. In the last hundred years, artists and their actions have been incredibly important to LGBTQIA rights, Feminism, Pacifism, Immigration Rights, and Rights for People of Color. The history of protest art is vast, and dense. In this brief overview, we’re looking back at a selection of politically impactful artists of the last century to get inspired for artistic calls to action.