Ink, Clay and Resistance

Art is a form of expression. Art does not exist in a vacuum. When the law is quiet, society is in dismay, and hope is shattered, art emerges as a voice of freedom, a mirror to history, and, as rightly said, the voice of the voiceless. If Anne Frank hadn’t written her diary, a form of art, the world would never have understood life in hiding during the Holocaust. Art has been the expression of fear, freedom, and oppression since the dawn of civilization. The murals in the caves told the story of emotions, experiences, and innovation, which continued till today. The artists all over the world have used art to document oppression, show resistance, and challenge the authorities. 

Art is also used as patronage. Kings commissioned poets, painters, and sculpture makers to reinforce their authority. The art was used as a medium to legitimize the ruler. Today also, the leaders use the expression of aesthetics to reach the wider audience. In later ages art helped the religious moment to gain importance, and the political class tagged along the religion to be a part of art as history. The art has changed forms, from canvas to canvas, yet the hold over the audience remains strong. 

Alongside this, there always existed a side that told the truth. Art was always based on the intentions of the artist. It has shaped the political standing in the world. Literature is one such form of art that recorded inequalities, voices of the illiterate, and worked as a critic with aesthetics. Kabirdas is one such example that wrote political satires, questioned caste divisions and orthodox practices, and provoked thoughts for a spiritual egalitarian society. Literature, perhaps, is one of the most enduring forms of politics. For example, George Orwell, in his famous writings, "1984" and "Animal Farm," reflected his views on totalitarianism, politics, and the use of propaganda. Politics and art are intrinsically fused. Even during the Renaissance, art was used as a medium to mobilize, unite people, and document the atrocities towards people. The French Revolution is one of the examples where the painting was seen as a sentiment of the nation. There was the use of allegory, as seen in one of the paintings "Liberty Leading the People," where a woman, Marianne, is seen leading the masses into the fray, symbolizing freedom and politics. The Portrait of Bharatmata by Abindranath Tagore was used to awaken the nationalist conscience of people and helped the people to imagine the nation as a serene mother figure, mobilizing the anti-colonial sentiments. 

Visual art has been a form of mirror to turmoil in nations. Paintings often showcased the hard realities of the world in subtle strokes. The Third of May by Francisco Goya captures the horror of the war and reflection of politics of the time. Architectural designs, too, are a reflection of politics. For example, the Berlin Wall was a reflection of politics during the Cold War. When it was destroyed in 1989, it was turned into a canvas for artists, reflecting hope, freedom, and politics. Similarly, the India Gate is a reflection of politics, reminding people of the sacrifices that were made during the war. 

In the 20th century, movements like the Harlem Renaissance in the United States showcased how art can become a carrier for marginalized communities to reclaim identity and stand against systemic racism. Through literature, music, and visual art, Black artists asserted their cultural pride and challenged racist narratives that had long existed. Even in modern times, art continues to report and commentate on the conflict and inequality. Whether it is through protest art, digital art, or performance art, art continues to engage with issues such as war, climate change, gender issues, and government violence. Though in modern times, the claws of the political class have dug through several artists to speak out against the government, the desire for expression never fades. The watch may have intensified, but the movement of resistance has also intensified. Social media has shown the potential of art in mobilizing the people. The medium may have changed, but the intent has remained the same. 

Most importantly, the approach of art lies not in what it represents but in how it makes people feel. The painting of The Third of May 1808 may make people feel empathy Spanish people; the poetry of Kabir may make people think of caste inequalities ; the novels of George Orwell 

may still make people feel uneasy. Art goes beyond the confines of political discussions by using the appeal of emotion and imagination, yet are intrinsically fused.