ABSTRACT
The ability of artists to create worlds and move people, which strikes fear into the hearts of philosophers and gods, is what makes art so powerful as a form of activism. Artistic activism is as hard to define as the power of art. The power of art is used to command big ticket prices or boost the cultural capital of institutions and individuals; in world, the sublime is in the service of capitalism and hierarchy. Artistic activism is a shifting point between two fields, each with their own history and traditions, practices and intentions. The goal of activism is Action to generate an Effect. In order for the emotional affect of art to have political effect, art needs to be combined with activism. In order for the political effect of activism to have an emotional affect, activism needs to be combined with art.
