Art-ivism a study on the interpretation of political and protest art in social movements as a manifestation of social realities in the Philippines

Abstract

This study aims to determine how Philippine social realities are manifested through the political and protest art pieces used in social movements. The research is an in-depth observation and exploration on the mechanisms of political and protest art used as aesthetics in mobilizations. It also intends to show art as a constructive means to stimulating agitation in a social movement. Through qualitative research methods, keen literature and study review as well as art criticism based on pictorial semiotics of selected art pieces, the objectives of the research was achieved. Four artist activists representing four different organizations were selected as informants and from their art portfolio came the material that were analyzed. The findings indicate that there are several trends in political and protest arts used in mobilizations in terms of elements, location and, conceptualization and technique. Through an appropriate accent of elements, a sharp site as location, and realistic frame for conceptualization and technique, social realities were more effectively portrayed.