10 artists who use their paintings to advocate for change

Advocacy: Frida Kahlo's art is deeply personal and often addresses issues of identity, pain, and political activism.

How: She used her self-portraits to convey her physical and emotional suffering and to advocate for women's rights and social justice.

Advocacy: Diego Rivera was a prominent muralist and communist who used his art to address political and social issues.

How: His murals depict scenes of labor, industry, and the struggles of the working class, advocating for social equality and workers' rights.

Advocacy: Jacob Lawrence's work portrays the African American experience and the Civil Rights Movement.

How: His series "The Migration of the Negro" and "Struggle... From the History of the American People" serve as powerful visual narratives of African American history and social change.

Advocacy: Kara Walker's art deals with issues of race, gender, and identity, challenging social norms and racial prejudices.

How: Her provocative and intricate silhouettes engage viewers in conversations about the historical and ongoing struggles for racial equality.

Advocacy: Sue Coe is an artist and activist who uses her paintings to raise awareness about animal rights, social justice, and political issues.

How: Her visceral and emotionally charged artworks confront viewers with the harsh realities of factory farming, environmental devastation, and human rights abuses.

Advocacy: Shirin Neshat, an Iranian artist, uses her work to explore issues of gender, identity, and cultural displacement.

How: Her evocative photographs and films offer insights into the experiences of Iranian women and engage with themes of political and social change.

Advocacy: Zanele Muholi is a South African visual activist who addresses LGBTQ+ rights, identity, and social justice.

How: Through their photography, Muholi captures the stories and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in South Africa, advocating for their rights and visibility.

Advocacy: Ben Shahn was a social realist artist who used his paintings to address issues such as poverty, labor rights, and civil liberties.

How: His compelling images and posters were instrumental in advocating for social justice and awareness during the Great Depression and World War II.

Advocacy: Yayoi Kusama, a Japanese contemporary artist, has used her work to address mental health and the power of art as a healing force.

How: Through her immersive installations, she advocates for awareness and empathy regarding mental health challenges, using art as a transformative and therapeutic medium.

Advocacy: Kerry James Marshall is known for his powerful paintings that address the absence of Black figures in art and challenge racial stereotypes.

How: His work advocates for Black visibility, representation, and social change in the art world and beyond.