How to Make Political Art

Do you have a passion? Are you an activist? Nearly all art is in some sense political, but this is not always the main goal of the artist. What makes political art what it is, is that the message is the primary purpose. The artist starts with a political statement that she wants to make and uses images to most effectively convey that message.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Brushes
• Spray paint
• Canvas
• Poster Board
• Stencils
• Magazines
• Scissors
• Glue
• Other Art Supplies

Instructions

1. Figure out what you want to say. In order to make good political art or any good art, you need passion as well as know how. Are you moved by war, global warming, racism, homophobia, or some other big issue? Do you have something to say about your community or your generation? Brainstorm and find what speaks to you.

2. Narrow it down. Past a certain point, the broader your art is, the less effective it will be. If you want to make an anti-war painting, for example, don't paint war in general. Instead, portray a certain event in a certain war. It is easier to take one event and use it as an allegory for a bigger issue than to take a big issue and make a statement that applies to individual events.

3. Do some research. It isn't that you need to get the details right and make political art that is realistic. Rather, studying an issue will get you thinking about it and get your ideas flowing.

4. Decide on a style. Political art does not have to be high art. Indeed, a lot of the most effective political art is stencil art, done in a simple, bold graphic style that conveys a direct message.

5. Think about display. Political art is supposed to make a statement, so how you show your art is part of it. Think about putting posters up around town or doing performance art at a protest. You could even organize a fundraiser, getting together with other artists to sell political art to fund a cause you all believe in.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep it simple at first. Even a stencil or a slogan can have a powerful effect on the viewer.

• Experiment with collage. By borrowing popular images and taking them out of context, you can have a powerful effect.

Resources

• Diego Rivera
• Banksy
• Techniques of Propoganda Art
• Anarchist Art