About Politics

Amos Aharoni asked:


From skillful caricaturists to passionate crusaders for political causes, Israeli artists have throughout history in one form or another created a political work of art. Whether biblical stories of Jewish bravery and martyrdom, the birth of Zionism or more modern examples of courage, political art has always played a part in the soul of Israeli creations of art. At the same time, even in modern times of today artists are often scared to link their creations to history and politics.

In the following, this article examines four aspects analyzing the issue of art & politics.

Artists & Politics

The first aspect addressing the subject of artists and politics examines the extent of public involvement by Israeli artists in taking a political standpoint expressed through their art paintings.

From a democratic point of view which seeks to protect freedom of expression, it is important that art work tackle political issues and influence public debate

However, the problem in Israel for artists who want to express an anti-establishment view is the concern over the fact that the establishment represents their main source of support and financing. While those who want to back up the establishment are not doing so out of fear of being accused by their artist friends that their creative work is influenced by economic reasons. As such it can be concluded that in our time the majority of Israeli artists are “fearful” when it comes to touching upon political issues.

Politicians & Art

In the second aspect addressing politicians and art, I examine the involvement and understanding of political leaders in the creations of art. There is no doubt, that an artistic point of perspective opens horizons contributing to the development of a more open-minded way of thinking.

For this reason, Israeli leaders - whose personalities are often channeled through the security and/or party platform – should show interest in the arts as a tool for personal development which can widen their world view.

From a public point of view, a politician, who has knowledge and proven interest in cultural issues, will be considered as having preferable characteristics of experience and knowledge.

Politics in Art

Addressing the third aspect of politics in art, the following questions I believe are at the heart of the issue: To what extent does the political and public activity of the artist influence the artistic evaluation of his creations in the present and the future? If the official establishment wants the prestige of a particular artist can it increase or decrease the value of his art?

Art in Politics

In the fourth aspect of art in politics I raise the question if to a certain extent there is an artist at work in the political making? Can we make the assertion that certain people have a political-artistic talent which makes it easier for them to succeed in the political arena?

In this context, I very much believe, that in order to be a player in the political arena winning public opinion, a leader needs to be creative and have strong interpersonal skills combining artistic elements.

Megan

The Amsterdam Red-light District asked:


I spent years in deep denial about office politics. I flatly
refused to believe it was necessary to “play” politics in
order to succeed. And – with a symbolic if not actual
stamp of my foot – if it was necessary, then I’d sacrifice
my career on the altar of my disdain!
Many people confound themselves with the same denial and the
same definition of office politics: bad, deceitful, backstabbing,
brown-nosing – all of the slimy things we often think of, both in
and out of the office, when we hear the word “politics.”
Many years later, and after teaching myself and others to
navigate successfully through a lot of political undercurrents,
my viewpoint has turned around completely. Successful
personal politics, both at home and in the office, is nothing
more – and certainly nothing less – than the art of
understanding and practicing meaningful, alert, and complete
communication.
Let’s look at these three components individually.
Meaningful communication has a wide scope, ranging from
avoiding the use of jargon and overly technical explanations,
to simply being sure we’re giving our audience what they need.
It means giving a useful answer that takes the questioner’s
context into consideration, instead of one that adheres only to
the letter of what was asked. It encompasses compassion,
understanding when someone needs help even when he or
she hasn’t said so.
Alert communication means that we’re paying attention to what’s
going on around us. When someone does, asks for, or objects
to something, the alert communicator has a pretty good idea
what’s behind those actions: we understand the context within
which the person is operating (or at a minimum, we recognize
that this context is there). When we understand the context –
whether or not we agree with it – we can participate in a
solution where everyone wins, or at least no one loses. When
we are alert to communication on all levels – verbal and
nonverbal, including action or lack of action – we can prepare
for whatever happens, instead of being startled by it.
Complete communication is akin to “the truth, the whole truth,
and nothing but the truth.” It means leaving nothing out – but it
doesn’t mean using the truth as a blunt instrument to make
others feel or look bad. It means providing the context when
we ask for something, so that others can understand the why
behind our request, and see how their response fits into a
bigger picture. And it means saying the important things to
friends and family instead of assuming that they know how
we feel.
Just like any tool, political ability can be turned to good
uses or bad. I can use a hammer to smash a priceless
piece of art, or I can use it to tap a finishing nail into a
beautiful piece of furniture. In either case, it’s not the
hammer that caused the end result; it’s what I’ve done
with the hammer.
Likewise, I can use my political ability to undermine others,
turn their ideas into mine, and inflict guilt on anyone who
fails to meet my expectations. But I’d much rather take
the skills I’ve learned – and they can be learned, though
they’re not often taught in today’s schools – to help others
succeed, applaud their achievements, and be clear about
what I want and need so others can give me the gift of
helping.
Article written by Grace L. Judson.

Rachel