Artists have always used creative freedom to express their political views since time immemorial. Be it Pablo Picasso’s ‘Guernica, Keith Haring, or Banksy, it has been proven that art is a powerful medium in politics. Modern society also encourages the use of art to address social and economic issues. Protest art and artistic activism have always been there to surprise the viewers. Leigh Witherell is a contemporary figurative artist who, through her art, speaks about her societal beliefs and through her artwork addresses the cultural and social beliefs existing in society.
Witherell’s interest in social activism has been thanks to the political and religious reforms that are happening in the country she is living in, the United States of America. Like other artists, Witherell also has some expectations, she hopes to bring in change and bring in awareness to important issues through her art.
Leigh Witherell on Artistic Activism in Her Art
Making America come with a price, and Witherell strongly sees the decline of art and a decline in the progress the country has made in 100 years. The question that is looming large in the minds of the people living in the country is, who is America great for? Americans are scared to think about it, and Lee Witherell’s artwork is about this. Witherell was always a social activist, and she was an advocate against any form of repression in society.
In times when religion is shaping the political scene, Witherell is not dramatic or loud when it comes to expressing her views on societal beliefs and cultures. The art scene is facing a crisis, and Witherell prefers to deal with it in her quiet way. Artists are visual in their expressions, and Witherell’s new series captures the difficulties faced by women under the new administration and Project 2025. Her canvas is about showing the vulnerable side of women, ethnic groups, and the LGBTQ+.
Art has its way of questioning societal beliefs and structures. Leigh Witherell’s artwork is a reminder of the prevailing oppressive society. Through her art, Witherell tries to push for social change in society. Her art engages the viewers and provokes them when it comes to art and activism. She tries to connect them with real-world issues that are plaguing the society they are living in. With art, she promotes awareness of social causes, activism, and societal issues.
Be it literature, music, or performing arts, they all have contributed to activism in some way or the other. Art and artists have always played an important role in activism. Since art transcends barriers and boundaries, it is a good way to reach out to viewers across the world with political and social messages that are influencing society. Witherell aims to bring in social changes like many other artists do through her art. Her art has the power to make viewers introspect and start a dialogue over it. Witherell’s art helps to start societal conversations and leaves viewers to have their own interpretation.
Witherell believes that artists are visual historians, and currently, her country is giving her enough topics where censorship and restrictions are concerned. She is exploring the influence of religious beliefs shaping the political landscape and how young men are becoming disfranchised in current times. Witherell’s upcoming project is about this topic, and the stories her figures depict are what she hears and what she sees. They are modern and relevant, and Witherell hopes she can spread the message of hope and resilience through her art. There are lots of artists who have brought in social changes, and Witherell aims to achieve that with her artwork.