This is What I know About Art, by Kimberly Drew
In her book "This Is What I Know About Art," Kimberly Drew discusses her personal journey into the art world as a Black woman and highlights several themes and issues she encountered along the way. One of the main themes she discusses is the lack of diversity and representation within the art world, which she experienced firsthand while working at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Drew discusses the challenges she faced as a Black woman working in a predominantly white and male-dominated field, and the need for more diversity and inclusion in the art world. Another theme she talks about is the power of social media in connecting people to art and artists who may not have the same level of recognition in traditional art spaces. Drew emphasizes the importance of using social media as a tool for making marginalized voices be heard and raising awareness about underrepresented artists. Drew's autobiographical story also sheds light on the cultural significance of art, and how it can be a powerful tool for social commentary and activism. She highlights the work of contemporary Black artists who use their art to address issues of race, identity, and injustice.
Authors and historians can engage in activism by challenging dominant narratives and promoting alternative perspectives. By focusing on the stories of artists from underrepresented groups, they can help to diversify art history and challenge the belief that art is only created by white men. They can also highlight the political and social contexts of art to bring attention to issues of race, gender, and power. Curators are another group that can engage in activism within the art world. They can promote diversity and inclusion by including a broader range of artists and artworks in exhibitions and collections. They can also use their platforms to make a statement about social issues and spark conversations about pressing contemporary topics. It's also worth to pointing that Drew argues that experts in the art world can use their knowledge and influence to promote change and activism.
One of the moments in her book that I found meaningful is when Drew emphasizes the power of representation and visibility. As a Black woman working in the art world, she faced many challenges, including the invisibility of Black artists in mainstream art spaces. Drew's story helps to explain the importance of representation and inclusion in the art world, and challenges readers to think about who gets to be included in the art canon. Another moment in her book that I found meaningful is when she talks about the impact of social media on promoting underrepresented artists and creating more accessible and inclusive art spaces. Drew's work on social media platforms such as her Tumblr blog "Black Contemporary Art" provided a platform for artists of color to share their work and reach wider audiences, and she highlights how this online community provided a space for underrepresented voices in the art world. Personally, I believe in diversity, and with Drew's concept it could benefit other people to get the recognition they deserve.
One of Drew's quotes in her book that stuck out to me is when Drew said "Artists of all colors deserve the freedom to explore themselves and how society impacts them." I like that she emphasized the importance of representation and inclusivity in the art world, so that artists from all backgrounds can freely express themselves while giving a voice to marginalized members of society. Another powerful quote by her is "Art has the ability to change people's lives, and to inspire them to act differently." It's good that she talks about the transformative power of art, how it can foster empathy and provoke social change. Being united with other people can help them overcome their vulnerabilities and gain self-confidence, something we don't see very often.
The way activism can become a meaningful part of my professional journey as a concept artist is focusing on social issues of our society. I can illustrate the characters lifestyle and personality by using references to the social issues we're still fighting. Gun Violence for example is still a major issue we're still going through. Not only can I illustrate the character by making it look violent, but also use the character's concept to influence people by posting on social media in order to motivate change in the society. In "The Art of Activism," page 25, "The Power of Art" says "Art is highly effective at translating events, facts, and ideologies into stories, images, and performances, making objective things into subjective forms we can experience, feel, and, importantly, remember." Another quote from Susan Sontag said "Without a willingness to think differently, we remain in the same rut, repeating the same mistakes."With all that said, we can use art as our advantage to change people so we can make the world a better place. We also don't have to do it alone, being united as one to deliver a message can make our voices louder and effective.
Sources:
activisthistory.com "What does it mean to be an Historian Activism?
artconsulting.com "Inclusion,Diversity,Equity,
and access: Why Now in the Arts and Culture Sector?"
mayoclinic.org "Teens and Social Media use: What's the Impact?"
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| Kimberly Drew, American Influencer |
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| Kimberly Drew's Book |
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| Social Issues Activism |
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