Artistic Uprising: 5 Books about the Relationship between Art and Politics

This is a heavy book, both in weight and intellectual substance. Art and Agenda is read in some university art courses. It digs into everything from photography to performance art in the action of questioning the status quo. The pages discuss strategies of political artists from around the world. A deep read for sure.

From radical puppetry to the work of Carlos Cortez, Realizing the Impossible offers a look into revolutionary artwork. It is filled with thoughtful essays that present theories and stories of grass roots resistance. It’s definitely art in the people’s hands.

One of the world’s most famous unknown artists, Banksy uses graffiti to question authority. The act of graffiti itself challenges ideas of property and his creativity with art sends brilliant political messages. This book is like an archive of artwork that has probably been removed. From walls to bridges, Banksy leaves no space unsprayed.

This book looks at the historical intersections of art and politics in California. It analyses the art in the environmental movement, the women’s movement, the peace movement, and many other waves of activism. It provides the reader with a look at specific cultural influences in the sunny state.

Signal is a journal dedicated to documenting subversive art culture. The journal offers dialogue about art and revolution while discussing work such as comics and zines. Anarchist paper clippings and topics like public art in Oaxaca, are as intriguing as they are inspiring.