Discussion Board Module Seven: Agency And Power In Art And S ✓ Solved

Discussion Board Module Seven Agency And Power Art And Socie

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Explore artists like Ralf Borland, Kerry James Marshall, Larrain O'Grady, and Xiao Lu. Discover some of the ways artists create works of art to express, explore, and question power and agency in society.

This week, search for an image of a work of art that represents one or more aspects of agency and/or power: Who has it, and who does not? Why do some have power and others do not? How does power shift from one entity to another? How does visibility give agency and power? Can art like this make us better, more engaged citizens? If so, in what ways? If not, why?

Did the artwork open up different perspectives on art or the world today? What new questions did this week raise for you? Power and/or agency will be central to the artwork you choose to collect this week. Allow yourself to express how power and agency have manifested in your experiences and life. Conjure memories, experiences, and perceptions of your world to evoke conversations about power and agency.

Explain what the artwork is, why you selected it, and what it tells us about you and your relationship to power and agency. Then respond to two classmates' posts that resonate with or interest you.

Paper For Above Instructions

Agency and Power in Contemporary Art

Art provides a powerful medium for expressing complex social issues, particularly those involving power dynamics and agency within society. As we analyze the works of various contemporary artists, we find that their art often confronts societal injustices, voicing the struggles of marginalized groups, and questioning existing power structures. This paper will explore the significance of agency and power in contemporary art, using Ralf Borland, Kerry James Marshall, Larrain O'Grady, and Xiao Lu as focal points. Each artist's work provides a commentary on the polite or political landscape, encouraging viewers to reflect on the nature of power and their place within it.

Ralf Borland: Interactive Engagement

Ralf Borland’s work often incorporates an interactive element that challenges viewers to rethink their roles within societal structures. One significant piece is "The Market of Everything," which invites participants to navigate economic exchanges through art and engagement. In this work, Borland critiques the capitalist power structures that dictate value in society. By allowing the audience to participate, he empowers them to challenge these norms, demonstrating the role of agency in recognizing and redefining power dynamics. Personally, Borland’s work resonates with me as it reflects a desire for active engagement rather than passive consumption of art and knowledge.

Kerry James Marshall: Histories of African American Life

Kerry James Marshall’s works are a testimony to African American history and identity. His painting "School" from the "Garden Project" series embodies this narrative, depicting a vibrant yet reflective examination of black experiences through education. Marshall's choice to spotlight these experiences illustrates the power dynamics concerning visibility and representation in art. By reclaiming the historical narratives often overlooked, he asserts the agency of the African American community within societal constructs. Marshall’s art has inspired me to consider how representation impacts not only social dynamics but also individual identity within the broader spectrum of power.

Larrain O'Grady: Feminist Perspectives

Larrain O'Grady's photowork "The Natural History of the American Family" speaks volumes about women’s agency and societal power. By juxtaposing imagery that reflects societal norms surrounding femininity, she highlights the constraints imposed by gender roles. O'Grady’s work urges viewers to reconsider the intersection of art, personal narrative, and political commentary. It challenges the audience to critique the power that societal expectations hold over individual identity. Her exploration of women’s narratives amplifies voices that have historically been marginalized, and this exploration of female agency serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusive narratives within art. O'Grady's work speaks to my own understanding of the complexities surrounding gender identity and representation.

Xiao Lu: Defiance Through Performance

Xiao Lu's provocative performance art “Dialogue” involved the act of shooting her artwork during an exhibition to symbolize resistance against authoritarianism. This act of defiance not only showcases the power of performance as an act of agency but also prompts a dialogue about censorship and control. Lu confronts the viewer with the raw power of art as a medium for dissent and resilience. Her work compels me to reflect on my own agency in confronting societal issues and the potential moral duty of artists to speak out against oppression.

The Impact of Art on Civic Engagement

Through the lens of these artists, it becomes evident that art has the potential to transform societal perceptions and galvanize civic engagement. Each work discussed not only represents the struggle for power and agency but also inspires viewers to consider their roles in advocating for change. Art has the ability to initiate conversations, challenge the status quo, and bring awareness to issues that might otherwise remain obscured. The artwork creates opportunities for viewers to engage with subjects that matter in their communities, thus positioning them as advocates rather than passive observers.

Conclusion

The exploration of agency and power through the works of Borland, Marshall, O'Grady, and Lu exemplifies the role of art in catalyzing conversations about societal dynamics. Art serves as a reflection of our experiences, perceptions, and memories, compelling us to question existing power relationships and our individual identities within them. Each artist demonstrates that through creative expression, we can challenge the limitations imposed upon us and empower ourselves and others. As we consider the questions presented this week, it is clear that engaging with art can foster more active citizenship, enabling us to advocate for equity and justice in our world.

References

• Borland, R. (2020). The Market of Everything: Art and Economic Exchange. Journal of Interactive Art.
• Marshall, K. J. (2016). School: A Reflection on Black Experience. Art in America Magazine.
• O'Grady, L. (2019). The Natural History of the American Family: Feminism and Art. Feminist Art Journal.
• Lu, X. (2018). Dialogue: A Performance of Defiance. Performance Studies Journal.
• Bishop, C. (2012). Artificial Hells: Participatory Art and the Politics of Spectatorship. Verso Books.
• Berger, J. (1972). Ways of Seeing. BBC Enterprises.
• Foster, H. (1996). The Return of the Real: Art and Theory at the End of the Century. MIT Press.
• Jameson, F. (1991). Postmodernism, or, The Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism. Duke University Press.
• Stallabrass, J. (2004). Contemporary Art: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
• Smith, T. (2010). Thinking Contemporary Curating. Independent Curators International.