Making Non political Art in a very political time
We have to stay active in our lives. Doomscrolling through our phones doesn’t count.
Times are tough right now. Trump is back in office, and he and his lackeys are running rampant through the government like a bull in a china shop—indiscriminately breaking things because they think they can, they don't care, or maybe it’s their goal. As an American citizen, I constantly find myself asking, What can I do? As an artist, I want to channel all the rage and frustration I feel into my work. As a designer, I want to create something that speaks to the moment, something that sends a message and encourages others to wake the fuck up and participate. Yet, as a human, I’m struggling. I feel hypocritical, unable to make work that reflects the urgency of this time. Instead, I find myself spending hours creating abstract doodles. I want my work to be powerful and impactful, but it just isn't coming. And I’ve come to realize that’s okay.
01.05.25 Digital Doodle
I first woke up to the world, as many do, in my teenage years during the 90s. I was fascinated by the hippies of the 60s and 70s—by their "make love, not war" messaging, their sense of community, and, above all, their music. My dad introduced me to bands like Crosby, Stills, and Nash (and Young), Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and The Who. I found the Grateful Dead on my own, and as I delved deeper into their world, I discovered the culture that surrounded them: Deadheads traveling the country, following the band. It was about the music, yes, but also about the community—the feeling that when you were at a show or wandering Shakedown Street, you were among like-minded people. A family, of sorts. My intrigue was endless. I remember watching the original Woodstock film and seeing all those people, muddy from the rain, just happy, loving, and part of something. Sure, the drugs played a role, but the sentiment of peace and love was deeper than that—a common goal and way of life. And at the heart of it was the music.
02.08.25 Digital Doodle
So why do I feel like my art has to be political?
And why is it okay that it isn’t?
There’s a place for everyone in the resistance, and I believe there’s room for art that isn’t overtly political—art that’s fun, weird, and playful. Do I believe this because it comforts me when I come up empty trying to brainstorm strong political messages? Maybe. But more and more, I’m beginning to believe it’s the truth. First of all, it’s better to be creating—staying active and engaged—than to slip into a state of apathy. That’s what they want: for us to be so overwhelmed by their actions that we become despondent. We have to stay active in our lives. Doomscrolling through our phones doesn’t count. Sure, there’s value in social media—access to information, ideas, and connecting with others—but when it disconnects us from the world around us, from what’s literally right in front of us, I believe it becomes harmful. Even when we see posts on Instagram, Bluesky, or (insert your social media poison of choice here), informing us of the situation and urging us to take action, it isn’t useful if all we do is keep scrolling. In fact, in my experience, it can have the opposite effect. It can become so overwhelming that, much like the regime’s rapid, reckless actions, we end up feeling paralyzed and despondent. I’m choosing to believe that creating—anything—is in itself an act of resistance. It’s a statement against passivity. So, how can I create in a way that doesn't overwhelm in quantity, but still provides positive value? Maybe by offering messages of encouragement and images that inspire joy and play, I can help shift the mood from passive pessimism to motivated optimism. If I can create work that’s silly, weird, full of movement and energy, maybe that can help people feel more alive. Maybe I can say, "WAKE THE FUCK UP," without actually saying it.
It’s a tricky time, and the algorithms aren’t necessarily on our side, but maybe there’s a way to tap into them and give ourselves and our fellow citizens the jolt they need. I believe most people are good and want good things for others, but it’s hard to know how to get there. It’s easy to scroll and think we’re doing something. But in a sea of posts about our dire circumstances mixed with the drive to sell us an idealized version of life, maybe there’s room for something different. Something human. Something that acknowledges what’s happening without beating us over the head about it. Maybe that’s what we need. Maybe that’s something that can actually do some good.
