How Do I Do Civics?

I participate in civic discourse through the art that I create. This is because art gives people the chance to put the current societal climate into a new context and potentially sparking conversation. When using art as the gateway to civic discourse it is important to note a clear message within the piece. For example, in political cartoons there is a distinct meaning that is trying to be translated throughout. This also applies to caricatures, modern art, and several other forms of art making. Art itself is by no means a literal subject which is why it is perfect to act as a platform for conversation. In my art specifically, I tend to reflect the existing state of society through subject matter and approach to creating the image. In fact, most of the time this reflection is largely unintentional but rather a realization after the fact. For instance, the subjects that inspire me usually reflect our current America. As the Black Lives Matter movement had a resurgence and the fight for diversity began to increase I noticed the art I was making included subjects of a wide array of ethnic backgrounds who dressed more fluidly. The medium I used is also reflective of our current society by how I began to use the computer as a form of art making. Therefore, as our society becomes more enveloped in technology artists as well are being forced to adapt. Ultimately, I participate in civic discourse by having my art reflect society in that point in time.