Jacob Friedheim

From Jacob Friedheim:

I thought the reading was quite insightful in it's analysis of the artist as an activist. It's a difficult thing to put a finger on, as "The nature of meaning is perceived so different by various audiences" (172). I am interested in utilizing my creativity for activism of my own sort. Thus far, my understanding through practice of the steps of artistic activism has not stemmed very far. I would certainly venture to say I am one to call upon my experiences via my work; the most engaging art for me has been the times when I do so.

I like to think my work is me being a conduit between myself and past experiences. When I'm not quite grasping my work, I'll engage in reporter like qualities, putting myself out in the world in order that I may discover something new that I can "report" or "reflect" to my audience. 

Art is a main component in social change, and it is my job to, as the reader put it "Engage with an audience not only to inform but to persuade" (175). Of course, half of the activist's battle is in reaching the audience, to "Position artists as contributors to intellectual endeavor and shift our aesthetic attention toward the shape or meaning of their theoretical constructs" (176). The ability to do so comes through careful analyzation and convicted communication. 

One task lies in gaining the audience's attention, the next in moving them to a new realm of thought and understanding. This is, in my opinion, the nobel job of an artist. Art will always be a reflection of oneself, but art that has a point outside of reflection and replication, that changes the way the viewer thinks, is the art necessary for changing the world.