by: Ian Dosland
With the signing of SB1070, and the attacks on Ethnic Studies courses in Arizona, it has become a hotbed of racial political debate. From this debate, large scale protests have sprung up all over the US, though mainly in the pacific southwest. On the front lines of the protests police stand ready, with weapons at their sides, to squeach any uproar that that they view as too violent. But, what are protestors armed with?
Protestors have been armed as well. Obvisously, not with guns, but something much more powerful: art. Artists have been banding together creating some of the most passionate and inspiring posterwork; the likes of which I have not seen in my lifetime. Those armed with these posters vehemently wave them as they march down our city streets.
Since all of this, a webpage has been created, calling artists to the cause. The site is not only a wellspring of information on the topic, but it provides a sort of "art forum" for everyone to submit posters. These posters, in themselves, carry with them a political dialogue. When you look at the mass of work on the front page, you are not just looking at posters, you are looking at an artistic dialogue.
The site brings together works by artists like Lalo Alcarez, creator of the comic strip, "La Cucaracha." His poster (shown at the top) has been popping up in many of the rallies, and its image speaks louder than any protester could yell. However, Lalo does not limit himself to the visual realm of artepolitik, he is also a radioshow host. He hosts of the Pocho Hour of Power radio show on L.A.'s Pacifica station KPFK 90.7FM.
I recommend that everyone go to the website, and check out all of the ways you can help. At the very least, bask in the visual splendor the site has to offer.
