Art as Activism: The Belmarsh Live Installation and the Legacy of Joseph Beuys
In this article, we explore the meaning of activist art and the social plastic, and how these ideas are relevant to the struggle for freedom of expression in the 21st century.
From the early 1960s until his death in 1986, Joseph Beuys was one of the most influential artists in Europe, known for his unorthodox approach to art and his passionate commitment to social and political change. Beuys believed that art was not just a matter of aesthetics, but a means of transforming society, and he coined the term "social plastic" to describe his approach. Today, his legacy lives on in the work of artists like Manja McCade, whose Belmarsh Live installation draws inspiration from Beuys and seeks to raise awareness about the case of Julian Assange. In this article, we explore the meaning of activist art and the social plastic, and how these ideas are relevant to the struggle for freedom of expression in the 21st century.
In the world of art, Joseph Beuys is considered a pioneer and a visionary. A German artist, Beuys believed that art had the power to transform society and that every individual could become a creative force for change. He coined the term "social plastic" to describe his vision of art as a catalyst for social transformation.
Beuys' idea of social plastic was grounded in the belief that everyone is an artist and that society itself is a work of art. He saw art not as an object, but as a process, a way of engaging with the world and shaping it. Beuys believed that artists had a special role to play in shaping the future of society, as they had the power to create new ideas and inspire people to think differently.
One of Beuys' most famous works is "I Like America and America Likes Me." In 1974, Beuys spent three days living in a room with a wild coyote in New York City. The performance was meant to symbolize the relationship between humans and nature and to comment on the destructive impact of modern society on the environment. Beuys saw himself as a shaman, trying to heal the rift between humanity and nature.
Beuys' work has inspired countless artists since his death in 1986, particularly in the realm of activist art. Activist art, like social plastic, seeks to use art as a means of creating social and political change. It is art that is explicitly political and seeks to challenge the status quo.
One example of activist art that draws on Beuys' ideas is the Belmarsh Live art installation by artist Manja McCade. The installation is a meticulously reproduced replica of Julian Assange's cell in the high-security Belmarsh prison in London, where he has been held in solitary confinement since April 2019. The installation is designed to replicate the experience of being confined to a small space and cut off from the world.
Belmarsh Live is a cross-genre project that draws inspiration from Beuys' groundbreaking socially critical sculptures. The project seeks to raise awareness of the urgent need to defend freedom of expression and fight against the persecution of whistleblowers and journalists.
The art installation includes a paper and pen so visitors are invited to leave their thoughts and feelings about Assange's situation and the larger issues of social justice and freedom of speech that he represents. The notes left behind by visitors are a powerful testament to the impact of the installation and the urgent need for action.
One quote left by a visitor reads, "If Julian stays locked up we all stay locked up worldwide."
Another notes, "Julian is a hero for standing up for truth and justice, we must fight for his freedom."
One visitor wrote, "Belmarsh Live is a powerful reminder of the importance of free speech and the dangers of its suppression. Julian Assange's case is just one example of how those in power try to silence dissenting voices.”
Another wrote, "This installation is a strong reminder of the psychological torture endured by those who dare to speak out against injustice. We must stand with Julian Assange and fight for his freedom."
The notes also highlight the impact of Belmarsh Live on individuals who were not previously familiar with Assange's case. One visitor commented, "I had heard of Julian Assange before, but I had no idea about the extent of his persecution. Belmarsh Live has opened my eyes to the urgent need to defend freedom of expression."
These quotes demonstrate the impact that the installation has had on visitors and the power of art to inspire action and change.
The Belmarsh Live art installation is an example of how art can be a powerful tool for activism and social change. Like Beuys' social plastic, it seeks to engage with the world and challenge the status quo. It reminds us that art is not just an object to be admired, but a process that can shape the world we live in.
In the case of Julian Assange, Belmarsh Live is not just a work of art, but a call to action. By experiencing Assange's confinement firsthand, visitors are challenged to confront the urgent need to defend freedom of expression and fight against the forces of censorship and oppression that threaten our democracies.
The parallels between Beuys' work and Belmarsh Live are clear. Both seek to use art as a means of engaging with society and challenging the status quo. Both aim to inspire action and change. And both remind us of the power of art to transform the world we live in.
In conclusion, Joseph Beuys' concept of social plastic continues to inspire activist art today. His belief that everyone is an artist and that society itself is a work of art reminds us that we all have the power to create change. The Belmarsh Live art installation is a powerful example of how art can be used as a tool for activism and social change. By engaging with the world and challenging the status quo, art can inspire action and help to create a better future for all of us.
Great piece, a very worthwhile project–looking forward to experiencing it for myself in Brussels.