Up in Arms: Aesthetics of Resistance and Solidarity in Contemporary Art

The contemporary art world is up in arms. Against the backdrop of global crises, socio-political upheavals, and widening socio-economic disparities, artists have increasingly turned to their craft as a means of critique, protest, and resistance to grapple with the complexities of our times. This panel investigates how these sentiments are translated into artistic forms, examining the strategies employed by artists to articulate dissent, express solidarity, and mobilize action.

We welcome contributions from artists, activists, curators, cultural workers, educators, and scholars from diverse backgrounds who work across different geographical and cultural contexts. Whether it be through analyzing visual representations of protest, investigating the performing body in its potential for resistance, interrogating the challenges of artistic activism, or tracing the lineage of protest movements in the arts, participants are encouraged to approach the theme from a myriad of angles. This session aims to contribute to an interdisciplinary dialog that stimulates critical inquiry into the intersections between art, activism, and social change.

Potential topics may include but are not limited to:

• Contemporary art as a tool for social change
• Aesthetics of resistance and dissent
• Ethics of care and responsibility
• Solidarity and empathy in art-making and spectatorship
• Curatorial activism
• Challenges and limitations of activist art
• Digital protest platforms and networks
• Case studies of specific artists, works, or social movements