Engaged Art Show

In the early part of the 1930’s, John Dewey argued that art is a reflection of society.  That reflection, however, seems to be very active.  Beginning with the Impressionists in the mid to late 1800’s, and continuing with the Dadaists, Bauhaus, Pop Artists and modern day art activists, artists have been challenging the status quo of society, ranging from ideas of what is beautiful to who should be in charge of political decisions.  Much of what we know about art, and especially challenges toward society, come from art and artists in large markets such as Paris, New York, and Berlin.  Art is smaller markets seems to be either non-existent or unimportant to art historians.  Even Pittsburgh is considered a small market, and Andy Warhol had to move to New York to become a player in this field.

Smaller markets, however, do have vibrant art communities.  This includes artists, galleries, museums, festivals, and art consumers.  Given the focus on larger markets, however, there seems to be a gap between the art market and those who could potentially purchase art in these markets.  In addition, given the smaller critical mass of people, an artist’s ability to work on a variety of topics, or a gallery to carry various lines seems to be limited.  Artists and galleries in these smaller markets may find that art which confronts social issues may not be marketable to the point of being able to support a livelihood.  The artist and gallery must find either another market, or carry a more mainstream line of work.

Given the standing of Lansing, MI as the capital of the State of Michigan, home of a major university, as well as few smaller institutions of higher learning, and one of the major hubs of the US auto manufacturing industry, socially engaged art (a term used to capture the breadth and depth of what some refer to as political art) would seem to be a good fit.   This is especially true given the current standing of the US auto industry and the state of Michigan’s economy.  However, this type of art, while available in the area, does not seem to have a major backing from either galleries or the larger community.  This show, titled Social Discourse:  An arts experience, is meant to give the Michigan art community an opportunity to present art that takes on social issues, showcase Lansing as a city that is engaged in political and social issues in various ways, and generate an interest in art in the Lansing area. 

It is our intention to provide an opportunity to link Michigan artists to Michigan art consumers in ways that will build on what already exists.  There is a cultural history of art in Michigan, the most famous of which is Motown, and it is time for the art community in Michigan, and especially Lansing, to step up and show the state, as well as the rest of the US, what is possible in a small art market.

more...