By Whitney Gray
Does life imitate art or does art
imitate life? Both could be argued, but some go out of their way to make art
imitate life. The goal is to help others see a life outside of their own and
perhaps be persuaded enough to learn more and take action.
Art Works Projects
creates pieces with this in mind. It’s an organization that seeks to raise
awareness and educate the public about human rights and environmental issues
through their art work.
It started with a woman named
Leslie Thomas who was reading a story about genocide in Sudan when she
witnessed a photo of a little boy whose face had been smashed because of his
ethnicity. She realized that this captured image of a life in danger was
shocking and haunting, but she also realized the motive that could be behind
it. Art can be a window to another reality.
Because she was inspired by one
photo of injustice, she went on to create an organization that will strive to
showcase countless pieces of artwork that imitate the lives of the abused, so
that the general public could be exposed to human rights issues.
AWP’s artwork includes art and
design exhibitions, books, recordings, films, and many other initiatives that
are creatively displayed but also include information about the issue so that
people can have an idea on how to get involved. Their
projects range from sexual violence and genocide to human trafficking and
forced labor.
Their work is not meant to make individuals comfortable. It
is often raw and shocking enough to cause discomfort, and from that discomfort
comes change. For this, Art Works Project is the Art Activist organization of
the week.
Visit the site at
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