Art, Activism and Democracy

“A picture is worth a thousand words”. Throughout history, artists have responded to the inequities around them in the form of images, music, literature and performance.

Since the 1970s, Sue Coe has worked at the juncture of art and social activism to expose injustices and 
abuses of power. This exhibition combines the powerful artwork of Sue Coe with the lucid writing of Stephen F. Eisenman, in highlights from their new book, "The Young Person’s Illustrated Guide to American Fascism.”

Coe and Eisenman participate in a tradition dating back a least to the Age of Revolution, and spiking during tumultuous times, of artworks designed to foster social change, often by confronting the viewer with challenging imagery. As a compliment to this exhibition, assembled from a Call for hand-made protest posters, demonstration placards from various rallies will be on display in the Winfisky Gallery. 

The exhibition offers viewers an opportunity to reflect upon the ideals of democracy, while aiming to elicit thoughts about 'what' individual values are most important in this endeavor. 

Visit our resource page for an interview with Sue Coe and Stephen F. Eisenman and additional sources and information about activist art. 

Additional exhibition events

Thursday, December 4
Artist Talk with Sue Coe, 12:30-1:30 pm

Artist Reception, 1:30-3 pm

The Winfisky Gallery is open Monday through Friday, 10 am-4 pm

Special film screening

A Savage Art: The Life and Cartoons of Pat Oliphant
Tuesday, December 2, 7 pm
Vets Hall, Ellison Campus Center

This film explores Pulitzer Prize winner Pat Oliphant's fifty-year career, spanning ten U.S. presidents. It features interviews, archival footage, and hundreds of Oliphant's distinctive cartoons. The film also provides a concise history of political cartoons, illustrating their significance and influence on Pat and other cartoonists. This event is free.