1.) Watch the Ted Talk by contemporary artist, Titus Kaphar.

In his talk he says “shift your

gaze just slightly, just momentarily, to ask yourself the question: 'why do some people
have to walk?'"
2.) Consider how Kaphar is using art as a tool for activism.

~Artists are activists~ an important attribute of art involves “action.” Part

of learning the traits of an artist entails exploring how we can use our skills and talents to
communicate ideas which intervene in our world’s problems and affect change in a
positive and aesthetically pleasing way. As we explore art, we formulate ways to
generate creative solutions to problems that challenge our world through the visual
narratives we construct in our art. We as the artist have the power to “shift the gaze” of
the viewer and change someone’s perspective.

3.) Either choose a social justice issue (Social justice issues revolve around structures or
human actions within society that result in people being treated unfairly or unjustly) from
the list below and find an artist who creates artwork based on the issue. (You can search
“environmental art” or “art about fast fashion” for example).
-Climate Change
-Refugee Crisis
-Racial Injustice
-Income Gap
-Gun Violence
-Hunger and Food
-Equality
-Poverty
-Homelessness
-Bullying
-Healthcare
-Fast Fashion
-Slavery- Sex Slavery, Marriage Slavery, Forced Labor
-Human Trafficking
-Stereotyping
-Segregation
-Ageism
-LGBTQ Oppression
-Ableism
-Education System
-Child Abuse and Neglect
-Beauty Industry
-Animal Poaching
-Mental Health Stigma
-Police Brutality
 4.) Or directly choose an artist who focuses on social justice. Here’s some starting points:
Artists for Social Justice ,
Environmental Artists
More Environmental Artists
Human Trafficking Art Activists
Feminist Artists
Artworks for Change
Banksy,
Corita Kent,
Emory Douglas,
Ai Wei Wei,
Shepard Fairey,
Barbara Kruger,
Kara Walker,
Faith Ringgold,
Betye Saar,
Zaria Foreman

5.) Define the issue you are researching and create a sketch of the Social Justice topic you
would like to create an art piece on. You may create a piece of art directly in your
sketchbook, or sketch how you would create something bigger ie, a sculpture,
installation, mural, earth art, etc. The sketch must include full details.
6.) Questions to Consider:
a.) How will you “shift the gaze” of your audience?
b.) What do you want to say about this topic?
c.) What do you want to change?

Appendix:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDaldVHUedI
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1GSdcQUnXBDMluk3PyH4iJ0GvZl4SzhthnPqIsAnpLMg
/edit?usp=sharing
https://rmpbs.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/political-art/five-steps-to-make-your-own-political-a
rt/
https://www.suzieblake.com/#/bloodmountain/