Art as Witness: Political Graphics 2016–18: School of Visual Arts Chelsea Gallery, NY

Tough times generally breed good art, and in today's agitated political climate, using satire and anger to respond to the current state of affairs is an act of survival. This idea of persisting through difficult times through art, manifests clearly in "Art as Witness: Political Graphics 2016–18," a new SVA-generated exhibition on view from Saturday, October 6, through Saturday, November 3, at SVA Chelsea Gallery. Curated by illustrator, caricaturist and SVA faculty member Steve Brodner and SVA's Director of Galleries Francis Di Tommaso, "Art As Witness" is a group exhibition of over 200 satirical and politically charged illustrations, cartoons and animations.

 

Fifty-three prominent artists contributed to "Art As Witness" including Milton Glaser (SVA's acting chairman of the board), 2018 SVA Masters Series Award recipient Roz Chast and Art Spiegelman. Each artist's work addresses the issues and controversies surrounding the most polarizing presidential election and administration in recent history. Timed to coincide with the final weeks of the highly anticipated midterm elections, "Art as Witness" comments on the Trump presidency; the #MeToo, #BlackLivesMatter and #NeverAgain movements; the opioid epidemic and the gun-control and immigration debates to encourage activism, spark discussion and, hopefully, inspire action.