Art is a rebellion, a revolt, and quiet activism that has always been a form of protest in any civil society. This is why many modern and contemporary artists are viewed as nonconformists who always strive to go beyond the boundaries of what is normal and often conventional. Nowadays, history knows quite a few protest art examples that massively revolutionized the industry and market. Take a look at some of the brightest moments in art history.
5 Powerful Protest Art Examples That Changed Art History
1. Abstract art
Once representational, also called figurative, art was the main philosophy of painters and sculptors up to the 19th century. When Kazimir Malevich, Piet Mondrian, and Wassily Kandinsky first introduced the concepts of abstractionism, the world of art was turned upside down.
2. Pop art
Popular art was a reaction to the rise of entertainment in post-war times. The meaning of art, as well as its nature, changed completely. It became more down-to-earth and, well, “common” in nature.
3. Dada art
Among all the protest art examples, Dadaism is probably the most controversial. On the one hand, it didn’t contribute much to the world of art. On the other hand, Marche Duchamp, Emmy Hennings, Man Ray, Hannah Hoch, and other famous Dada artists indeed demonstrated how art could become an act of rejection.
4. Street art
Street art is a contemporary phenomenon that has become one of the most fast-growing art rends in recent years. With Banksy being at the forefront, the art movement is a demonstration of how streets can send a message to the public.
5. Digital art
With the advent of state-of-the-art computers and devices, people started to move from traditional art to digital art. Without any exaggeration, it is a new epoch in the history of contemporary art.
One way or another, these protest art examples have become a huge contribution to the cultural development of modern society. On the whole, each one has become a milestone in the course of art history.