TY - JOUR
T1 - Subversion as a Resistance Strategy in Artistic Activism
AU - Pires, Catarina
N1 - info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/FCT/6817 - DCRRNI ID/UIDB%2F00417%2F2020/PT#
info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/FCT/6817 - DCRRNI ID/UIDP%2F00417%2F2020/PT#
UIDB/00417/2020
UIDP/00417/2020
PY - 2023/3/30
Y1 - 2023/3/30
N2 - The contemporary art world is characterized by precarious and intermittent forms of employ-ment such as subcontracting and freelancing. Non-paid work is also common in the arts sector either in the form of internships or uncompensated exhibiting, writing and curating. In this article we analyse subversion in the context of artistic activism as a resistance strategy against labour relations within contemporary capitalism. As a case study, we present a critical analysis of two works by artist Joshua Schwebel, Subsidy (2015)and Médiation Culturelle (2017-2018), which aimed to take advantage of the institutional exhibition context to not only raise awareness about hidden aspects of labour prac-tices common among art institutions but also to create real change and empower workers. Taking into account capitalism’s adaptability and its undermining of traditional forms of resistance, we argue that artistic activism plays a crucial role in pursuing counter-hegemonic struggle. By analysing and compar-ing both projects we have concluded that subversion is used as the broader strategy, whereas disruption, dialogue and displacement are used as tactics. This research also establishes context as a fundamental element for artistic activism works and the necessity to adapt strategies to maximize possibilities of achieving social transformation.
AB - The contemporary art world is characterized by precarious and intermittent forms of employ-ment such as subcontracting and freelancing. Non-paid work is also common in the arts sector either in the form of internships or uncompensated exhibiting, writing and curating. In this article we analyse subversion in the context of artistic activism as a resistance strategy against labour relations within contemporary capitalism. As a case study, we present a critical analysis of two works by artist Joshua Schwebel, Subsidy (2015)and Médiation Culturelle (2017-2018), which aimed to take advantage of the institutional exhibition context to not only raise awareness about hidden aspects of labour prac-tices common among art institutions but also to create real change and empower workers. Taking into account capitalism’s adaptability and its undermining of traditional forms of resistance, we argue that artistic activism plays a crucial role in pursuing counter-hegemonic struggle. By analysing and compar-ing both projects we have concluded that subversion is used as the broader strategy, whereas disruption, dialogue and displacement are used as tactics. This research also establishes context as a fundamental element for artistic activism works and the necessity to adapt strategies to maximize possibilities of achieving social transformation.
KW - Artistic activism
KW - Resistance
KW - Labour
KW - Institutional critique
KW - Subversion.
UR - https://www.scopus.com/record/display.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85160059070&doi=10.5209%2faris.82043&origin=inward&txGid=db5e064519ac5d8a4373e6a14a00ac7e
UR - https://www.webofscience.com/wos/woscc/summary/5cba92bf-634c-4cee-b208-afce0ae66b50-e24d833b/relevance/1
U2 - https://dx.doi.org/10.5209/aris.82043
DO - https://dx.doi.org/10.5209/aris.82043
M3 - Article
SN - 1131-5598
VL - 35
SP - 389
EP - 408
JO - Arte, Individuo y Sociedad
JF - Arte, Individuo y Sociedad
IS - 2
ER -