Some of the other early examples of protest art include the Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros who has been very active in left-wing politics in the beginning of the 20th century and wanted to reach hard-working Mexicans through art. Conceptual art and performance activist art was majorly influencedВ by Dada, an anti-war movement which used satire,В non-rational and anti-idealistic discourse to critique the First World War and its capitalist agenda. Since many variations of protest art can be found throughout the history, it is difficult to establish the beginning of this politically engaging artistic expression. Interested in collecting protest art? Check out this rebellious sculpture by Ai Weiwei! In this way, the personal life and work of the artist transcends the individual and speaks meaningfully to a larger audience bringing together the political and human functions of art. Addressing socio-political issues and challenging the traditional boundaries and hierarchies imposed by those in power, art can open up space for the marginalized to be seen and heard and contribute to the social change by producing knowledge and solidarity or simply raising awareness. Throughout the history of social movements and social revolt, art has always reacted against oppression, violence, injustice, and inequalities. Yet, art can often become dangerously and explicitly political and serve as a powerful weapon.

Thus it can be argued that all art is political in the sense that it takes place in a public space and engages with an already existing ideology and dominant discourse.

What is the scope and impact of protest art? As Adorno famously wrote, ' all art is an uncommitted crime', meaning that art challenges the status quo by its very nature.

Point carrГ© art movement