Artivism and the Spirit of Avant-Garde Art

Abstract

Artivism is ambiguous: Positioned between art, politics, and protest movements, it is an artistic-political practice giving voice to the opposition to capitalism and consumerism. Some believe Artivism to be the first new art form of the twenty-first century. However, Artivism also has a tradition: Artists have combined art and activism long before artivists became part of (or triggered) the Occupy Movement, or before Pussy Riot became the world-wide face of protest. In the contribution, the author reflects upon Artivism as an artistic practice and as a political practice. In line with the main theme of this book, the author also analyzes its link to the impacts of the global capitalist economy and the so-called market-based turn in society.