ABSTRACT
Activist-art condemnations of state violence at times also contain implicit messages of resistance. Resistance can include the enactment of political violence. This chapter uses this critical position to delineate an understanding of violence appropriate to the actions taken by art-activists. It argues that activist-art strategies typically centre on the generation of new understandings of complex political situations. The chapter focuses on three tactics: (de)legitimation, education and empathy. Each supports processes designed to spark responsive action. My contention is that art-activism plays an important role in stimulating social change. To make the case, I look in particular at forms of art-activism that challenge the government violence involved in the enforcement of national borders. The aim is to provide a reminder of art-activism’s contribution to contemporary political struggles.
