On art and activism, collectives and community responses
“[…] Everything about the political and social engagement is part of a process of collaboration,” artist, activist, and author Avram Finkelstein once told me during an interview for A&U Magazine . “That’s what communities and community responses are. That’s what activism is. Activism is a community response to something. So, in a way, I feel that the collective, even if it’s a tiny collective, is a bell jar. An experiment in collectivity is an experiment in activism.”
Then, last year, when we talked again for A&U’s World Pride 2019 cover story, Finkelstein reminded me that “collectives are organisms,” and that “our commons is an exercise in activism.”
I met Avram Finkelstein in person in 2014, when I became a member of the Undetectable flash collective. That’s when I first heard him talk about art and activism and truly understood the meaning of activism. It was a significant “a-ha” moment for me, one that I’ll never forget.
I believe that learning about a community includes learning about its activists, about the pioneers who oftentimes put their own lives in danger to bring about much-needed change…for the better. Over the years I’ve had the chance to interview and photograph amazing activists, inspiring individuals with lives and stories we can always learn from.
I’ve followed their work over the years. Some I know personally, and had the honor to cover over the years. Others, I’ve photographed as part of events and happenings I’ve reported on. Each and every one of them has inspired my life and my own work. I’m forever grateful!
So, how does one photograph activists?
Start by learning about their individual stories, their communities, and the causes they fight for. Listen and learn, to understand what motivates their fight, to better comprehend it and the passion that fuels it. Use that fight and that passion as inspiration for your own work.
Keep creating, keep documenting life and storytelling, and be safe out there.
As always, thanks for stopping by!
Alina Oswald 