The Activist Tradition in Western Art
Visual Arm-Twisting Concerning War, Politics, the Environment, and Social Equality
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 | 6p - 7p
Tickets: $10 | MMAM Member Rate + Students: Free
The work of Alexis Rockman continues a long tradition of using art as a means to provoke reflection on humanity’s relationship with the natural world. This presentation by WSU history professor emeritus, Greg Schmidt, will survey the long and deep tradition of artwork (primarily “high art” painting) in Europe and America aimed at persuading people to pay attention to or shape their minds about a variety of topics. Chronologically it will stretch from Francisco Goya to Banksy, with many stops along the way. Thematically it will address images focused on war, politics, the environment, and social equality.