political art

In the visual arts, work that contains political subject matter, takes a stand on an issue, addresses a public concern, or awakens viewer sensitivity. Artists throughout history have been called painters of political works, although the term may be loosely applied. A work may be called ‘political’ solely because its subject or form causes a stir or a sensation, or it may be considered political because its subject matter pertains directly to a current event, either functioning as propaganda for a particular incident or point of view, or expressing the artist's concern about an issue.

For example, the work of a modern artist such as Tracey Emin (whose art focuses on a disturbing sexual history) may be coined ‘political’ because her subject matter is considered taboo, antiestablishment, or exhibitionist, while an artist such as Francisco Goya produced ‘political art’ to express and publicize his anger at contemporary political incidents, such as his passionately charged The Third of May, 1808 (1814; Museo del Prado, Madrid), depicting French violence against the citizens of Madrid during the Napoleonic Wars. Both artists are considered political, differing only in their intent and subject.