Image by NoName_13 from Pixabay. Modified by Percy Chang. The note in the fortune cookies read “Your art can light the path to a better world; let it shine online.”
Same Spirit, New Outlets
Back in the mid-’90s, I had a brief stint as a fiery college student in Taiwan, where democracy was flourishing. I joined my fellow students, armed with poster pens and cardboard, to advocate for human rights and against the tensions coming from across the strait. Yep, I’ve just given away my age! But those were the good times when we physically took to the streets, facing the authorities and telling them face-to-face what we stood for. Telling isn’t always the best strategy, but our art, street acts, acoustic guitar sessions with spontaneous lyric writing, and memorable protest symbols captured the attention and built a strong sense of solidarity within a community dedicated to freedom of speech. Today, that same spirit thrives online. Digital artivism is highly accessible, allowing artists to explore diverse forms of expression, from digital illustrations and interactive design to video art. For activists without a graphical background, could use AI tools to generate creative visuals. Once combined forces with compelling social media campaigns, global audiences can be reached for meaningful social change! At the same time, they can receive instant feedback and perhaps adjust strategies efficiently in real-time. For this introductory post, I’d like to briefly present three examples that give a practical view of digital artivism in action. While this is just a quick overview, it might pique your interest and encourage you to explore the links to the creative movement in activism and learn more!
- Self Help Graphics & Art: Since the 1970s, this minority-led organisation rooted in community has fostered local artists to create visuals that inspire action and teach activists about the power of visual art. In recent years, they’ve expanded their impact by embracing digital platforms. This allows their initiatives to empower artists and activists worldwide, all from their vibrant neighbourhood in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, California.
- Terra Movement Platform: Founded in 2020 by Sofia Hadjisof during the pandemic lockdown, Terra Movement began as a one-woman effort from her studio. She invites artists worldwide to collaborate, using their creativity to tackle climate change. It shows that with a cause based on passion and the use of digital tools, anyone can start a movement and start making an impact.
Image source from Terra Movement.
3. #AllEyesOnRafah: During the Israel-Hamas conflict in early May 2024, an Instagram post with an AI-generated image and the slogan ‘All eyes on Rafa’ was shared over 47 million times within only two days. All around the world, activists, influencers, and celebrities post it on their accounts to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Rafah. I will not go into it but here is a good article about how the post was created. This marks a breakthrough in digital artivism, as with the help of AI, artists and activists could create ‘sanitised’ images to address critical issues without getting blocked or taken down by AI algorithms and human moderators. Screenshot Caption: “AI-generated image from the ‘All Eyes on Rafah’ campaign, which went viral during the Israel-Hamas conflict in May 2024.” Source: Image and information sourced from NPR article, “All Eyes on Rafah: The Most Viral AI Meme, Malaysia Artists Claim Credit”. Link to the article
Future Envision
Imagine stepping into a VR world where you become a clownfish swimming in a suffocated ocean, navigating through polluted waters. Feeling the struggle and urgency firsthand could make us more empathetic and driven to advocate for ocean conservation. If these experiences were made available to everyone—from policymakers and leaders to youngsters and everyone in between—they could transform how we understand and engage with environmental issues. I am excited about emerging technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) that are set to revolutionise how art is created and experienced after reading this published report from the Pew Research Center on The best and most beneficial changes in digital life that are likely by 2035 (Chavda & Chavda, 2024), These immersive environments can engage us emotionally and intellectually, bringing art and activism to a deeper level. Jonathan Kolber, author of “A Celebration Society,” stated, “I believe that we will see multiple significant and positive developments in the digital realm by 2035. The widespread availability of immersive VR (sight, sound, touch, and even limited smell and taste) at a low cost… will offer experiences of wonder, learning and play.” Of course, everything has two sides. My focus is on how we can develop and improve, seeing possibilities and working through obstacles.
Exploring Digital Artivism Together
As a working artist beginning my journey in Communication for Development studies, this project opens the door for me to examine how artists use digital platforms to address social issues and engage communities. In my world, where freedom of speech feels like a playground, I’m curious about those who face greater restrictions. How do they navigate their platforms and convey their messages despite these challenges? My name is Percy Chang and I invite you to join me on this journey as we explore these important questions together. I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Feel free to follow us on Instagram @ida_insidedigitalactivism and interact!
For a deeper dive into digital artivism
Check out Digital Artivism: Pictures Worth Thousands of Words by Ana Filipa Maceira, with illustrations by Irem Kurt. It offers an enlightening perspective on how digital platforms amplify activist voices. Another insightful source is the academic journal Dissent Art in the Digital Age: Insights into the Culture of Artivism on Instagram in India by Bhawna Parmar. This work delves into how artivists use Instagram to express dissent and drive social change, particularly in response to significant political events.
Bounce a Thought Our Way!
Can you share a few examples of digital or traditional artists who have inspired you with their activism on online platforms? Please comment with their names, the messages they conveyed, and how you first came across those messages (which platform did you use?)
