Pièce de Résistance

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Singapore Management University

Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University


Social Space Lien Centre for Social Innovation

1-2019

Pièce de Résistance: Art movements and their


power to change the world
Stephanie Tran Rojas

Follow this and additional works at: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/lien_research


Part of the Art and Design Commons, Film and Media Studies Commons, and the Music
Commons

Citation
Rojas, Stephanie Tran. Pièce de Résistance: Art movements and their power to change the world. (2019). 8-15. Social Space.
Available at: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/lien_research/183

This Magazine Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Lien Centre for Social Innovation at Institutional Knowledge at Singapore
Management University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Social Space by an authorized administrator of Institutional Knowledge at Singapore
Management University. For more information, please email libIR@smu.edu.sg.
FEATURE

Pièce de Résistance:
Art Movements and their
Power to Change the World
By Stephanie Tran Rojas

“From Slavery Through


Reconstruction” by Aaron Douglas.
Fair use. Image via Wikiart.1

through which messages are relayed. Defined by


the Oxford Dictionaries as the “expression
or application of human creative skill and
imagination”,2 most people appreciate art in its many
forms (painting, sculptures, film, dance, music, etc.)
for their beauty or the emotions they evoke.

However, art also has the potential to both control


and empower the masses. Over the years, the
following art movements3 have made a social
impact in various ways.

8 SOCIAL SPACE JANUARY 2019


PIÈCE DE RÉSISTANCE: ART MOVEMENTS AND THEIR POWER TO CHANGE THE WORLD

The Harlem Renaissance was highly intertwined


with the growing social consciousness of Black
American communities. The goal of many
artworks was to present a realistic depiction
of Black Americans and challenge common
stereotypical depictions of Blacks as inferior
to Whites.

1920s
and 30s
The Harlem Renaissance
expanded multiple art forms
from literature, film, dance,
music and visual arts.

“Self-Portrait” by Horace Pippin, via Wikiart.4

many Black-owned businesses after the impact of the stock


HARLEM and foundations patronised the market crash and subsequent
RENAISSANCE work of Black artists in the city. Great Depression, it created
many major effects.7
Staged in the United States The Harlem Renaissance was
between the 1920s and 30s, highly intertwined with the Economically, the Harlem
the Harlem Renaissance5 growing social consciousness Renaissance could only happen
expanded multiple art forms of Black American communities. because of the flourishing
from literature, film, dance, The goal of many artworks was of Black businesses and the
music and visual arts. The art to present a realistic depiction of general economy. Through
movement occurred with the Black Americans and challenge the Great Migration, Black
Great Migration, during which common stereotypical depictions businesses could be established
many Black Americans fled the of Blacks as inferior to Whites. and Black people could take
economically stagnant, politically A work from the Harlem on better-paying industrial
oppressive South for the Midwest Renaissance is Langston Hughes’ jobs, thus opening economic
and Northeast. They arrived The Negro Artist and the Racial opportunity separate from the
with ambitions for a better life Mountain. Published in 1925, it traditionally oppressive work of
and eventually Harlem, New voiced a major philosophy of the sharecropping.8 This encouraged
York became a metropolis of literary movement by stating communities to promote their
Black cultural and political the desire to share a realistic, businesses and art to their
development. After the First unbiased depiction of Black own people, and become
World War, many well-paying Americans as normal human self-sufficient. For example,
industrial jobs formerly occupied beings.6 It also highlighted the the Harlem Renaissance
by White Americans became importance of showing one’s free saw the creation of multiple
available for Black Americans and true self, without concern Black-owned magazines and
and gave the community greater for the approval of the general journals such as Crisis, The
economic leeway. During this population. Although the Harlem Messenger and Opportunity.
period of good economic growth, Renaissance started to weaken However, beyond featuring the

SOCIAL SPACE JANUARY 2019 9


work of Black artists, these influences11 on the Black Arts eventually organise in the 1960s
titles also contained general Movement paralleling the Civil in the forms of protests, sit-ins
articles discussing the Black Rights Movement. and speeches. The Harlem
population,9 such as their Renaissance is an example of
participation in the First The Harlem Renaissance, how an art movement connected
World War. otherwise known as the as well as empowered a
“New Negro Movement”, marginalised community.
Socially, the movement was created population-wide levels It is considered to have had
diverse in the art styles of social consciousness on the a changing influence on many
expressed due to the people lack of enforced civil rights for people today as well as on
from different cultural spheres Black Americans. As a result, future movements.13
of the Black identity (African, Harlem became the home
Caribbean, and so on). The for multiple Black civil rights
popularisation of jazz that and empowerment groups,12
became a hallmark of the including the National Urban
Also check out:
movement in Harlem was League, the Brotherhood of
originally brought from the Sleeping Car Porters, the • Paintings by
Aaron Douglas14
Black art scenes in cities like black leadership of NAACP,
New Orleans, Memphis and and Marcus Garvey’s “Back to • The Ways of White
Folks by author
St. Louis.10 The artists of this Africa” nationalist movement.
Langston Hughes15
time were demonstrating pieces The common racial struggle of
• A video about musician
of racial pride that empowered Black Americans was openly
Duke Ellington16
and connected Black Americans talked about, and demands
on a global platform. This would of civil rights became seeded
later have inevitable political in communities that would

26 July CUBAN
1953 REVOLUTION
The date that
the Cuban Any government needs the
Revolution
is said to have
support of its people, especially
formally a newly established one. For
started Cuba, a country that underwent
the strains of US economic
embargoes and global isolation,
public support for its national
ideals was crucial. Art and
culture were thus used as tools
to engage its citizens.

Cuban art has gained international


attention and given the country
a platform to showcase its history,
culture and government.
Gerard Malanga’s 1968 Andy Warhol forgery of Che
Guevara. Fair use. Source: Wikipedia.17

10 SOCIAL SPACE JANUARY 2019


PIÈCE DE RÉSISTANCE: ART MOVEMENTS AND THEIR POWER TO CHANGE THE WORLD

The Cuban Revolution18 is


said to have formally started Castro’s regime’s effective
after 26 July 1953, the date use of art to spread his
of Fidel Castro’s failed raid party’s ideals speaks
on a Santiago army barracks volumes on the influence
against the dictator Fulgencio
Batista. Castro, himself a
of art within political
ideology. Art can be used
LUCIA
practising lawyer, chose to by Raul Martinez
defend himself in his public
like a form of advertising,
hearing. He and his brother Raúl to fuse the political agenda The movie, told through the
of a state into the very perspectives of young Cuban
were sentenced to prison but women, depicts Cuba’s transition
released early on amnesty due culture of society. from times of dictatorship to its
to international pressure. Castro eventual revolution.
fled to Mexico thereafter to
organise revolutionary masses.
He continued fighting Batista’s purposes, rather than by international icon of revolution,26
regime until 1 January 1959, individuals or communities, they and his famous Warhol portrait
when the rebels overthrew the reflect the government-approved is said to signify “anything
government and forced Batista portrayal of Cuba to its people to anyone and everything to
to flee the country. Fidel Castro and the rest of the world.21 everyone”.27
then became president, a role in
which he served from 1959 Over the years, Cuban art has Castro’s regime’s effective
to 2008. gained international attention use of art to spread his party’s
and given the country a platform ideals speaks volumes about the
Immediately after establishing to showcase its history, culture influence of art within political
this new government, Castro and government. One of the most ideology. Art can be used like
employed the use of art to famous pieces to come out of the a form of advertising, to fuse
spread his revolutionary Cuban Revolution is the photo the political agenda of a state
agenda. He set out to associate of the revolutionary figure Che into the very culture of society.
“everything with the revolution” Guevara by photographer Alberto It is an effective messaging
and used multiple art forms Korda. Named Guerrillero tool because it represents the
to spread state propaganda.19 Heroico,22 this image was popular ideals of a society through the
During this period, works of among youth in the US and eyes of the artist, and engages
photography, film, poster art Europe during the counterculture the public in both emotional
and paintings were created movement of the 1960s–70s,23 and philosophical ways. Unlike
for this purpose. For instance, and sparked active discussions traditional speeches and
artist Raul Martínez, known for of Cuban socialism. Since broadcasts by politicians, art
painting numerous portraits of then, there have been different can cause a visceral reaction
revolutionary heroes, created renderings24 of the famous and affect people on very
the film poster for the film, portrait by artists from around personal levels.
Lucía.20 The movie, told through the world. One of the most
the perspectives of young Cuban well-known adaptations is Andy
women, depicts Cuba’s transition Warhol’s 1968 “Che Guevara”
from times of dictatorship to its painting25—it was originally
created by Warhol’s friend Gerard Also check out:
eventual revolution.
Malanga who mimicked the • Paintings by
In communist Cuba, billboards former’s signature pop art style Douglas Perez28
are not occupied by commercial without his permission; Warhol • Photography by
advertisements, but by poster later “authenticated” the piece, Walker Evans29
art illustrating revolutionary giving his name and status to • Cuban poster art30
motifs and scenes. Created the work on condition that all
by the various government proceeds went to him. Today,
organisations for propaganda Che Guevara is recognised as an

SOCIAL SPACE JANUARY 2019 11


In 2009, the China
Environment Protection
Foundation created an
art initiative35 to remind
people of the growing
interference
of urbanisation
on nature.
Shanghai, 2013: (left to right) Lupu Bridge, Pearl Tower, The 3 Giants (Shanghai Tower,
Jin Mao Tower, SWFC) and Double Tree Hotel. Photo by leniners via Flickr.

CHINESE
ENVIRONMENTAL
ART

Since the advent of social


media and the Internet, there
has been growing awareness
in China about environmental
issues, specifically air pollution.
Chinese “eco-artists”,31 with their
environmentally focused art,
have also used their work to call
attention to and create dialogue Chinese woman wearing pollution mask. Photo by V.T. Polywoda via Flickr.
about these topics.

On the one hand, the Chinese illness and premature deaths. and action from civil society is
government is focused on Facing pressure both from its necessary to ensure that both
the country’s growth and people as well as from abroad, public and private organisations
development. On the other hand, the country’s leadership now has engage in environmentally
however, its rapid development to address these environmental sustainable practices.
is what’s contributing to issues to validate its legitimacy
environmental damage and both internally as well as on the Environmental art is one such
negatively affecting citizens’ international stage.32 way of rallying the support of the
well-being. general public.
Presently, the Chinese
Today, the widespread use of government has increased In 2009, the China Environment
social media and the Internet has spending on renewable energy Protection Foundation created an
given many Chinese people the and made pledges to decrease art initiative35 to remind people
opportunity to access information future emissions.33 However, of the growing interference of
about the country’s severe despite these steps, it is urbanisation on nature. Featuring
pollution problem. In some still heavily focused on GDP paintings done in the shan shui
cases, citizen outrage has led to and expanding the country’s style by Shanghainese artist
protests and harsh criticisms of economic influence, and has Yang Yongliang,36 the campaign’s
the government. In 2014, a “war not cut off its investments in message was that the landscape
on pollution” was declared, and environmentally unsustainable of their country is “Nice from
the Chinese government could projects.34 To keep the afar, but far from nice.”37 From
no longer ignore the issues of government and businesses in a distance, the art resembles
air pollution, water shortages, check, continued participation mountains, hills and waterfalls

12 SOCIAL SPACE JANUARY 2019


PIÈCE DE RÉSISTANCE: ART MOVEMENTS AND THEIR POWER TO CHANGE THE WORLD

shrouded in a mysterious mist.


However, once the viewer steps
2014 Thanks to professional as well
as civilian eco-artists, more
That year, a group gathered
closer and looks in greater detail, in front of the Temple of Chinese citizens are becoming
they can see that the art piece is Heaven in Beijing to pray for more aware of environmental
composed of urban structures, blue skies, serving as a visual issues, as well as the importance
construction sites, traffic and reminder on the importance of having clean air, safe food
skyscrapers—all made to imitate of people revering nature. and clean drinking water.
the look of pure nature. This Although the conversation can
environmental art campaign won However, “eco-artists” are not be expanded to cover other
many awards for its effectiveness all professionals. For instance, consequences of environmental
in conveying the mark of human civilians themselves have been damage, such as climate change
encroachment on nature. participating in China’s “smog art and species extinction, public
movement”,42 where anybody can dialogue is presently limited
There are also many performance use art, photography, painting, to issues directly affecting the
artists and activists who installations, film or dance populace. Hopefully, over time,
employ innovative ways to raise to creatively depict the most more environmental art in this
awareness for environmental visible consequences of the air direction can help bridge the
issues.38 For instance, Chinese pollution problem. For example, gaps in the conversation.
fashion designer Kong Ning in 2014, a group gathered in
creates environmental- front of the Temple of Heaven in
conservation-inspired gowns Beijing to pray for blue skies,43
and presents her views in serving as a visual reminder Also check out:
public displays of her statement on the importance of people • Yang Yongliang's shan shui
garments.39 Other artists, revering nature. Other instances environmental art45
such as Yuan Xikun40 and Cai include people putting pollution • Video about fashion
Guoqiang,41 have also been masks over the mouths of public designer and performance
creating sculptures and paintings statues, making controversial art artist Kong Ning46
with environmental messages; on breathing masks, or wearing • More examples of
in Yuan’s own museum, the Jin the masks in their wedding smog art47
Tai Art Museum, we can find photos—all in the name of
sculptures of prominent figures calling attention to China’s air
in the quiet outdoors. pollution.44

SINGAPORE
DEMOLITION
ART

Compared to other countries,


there are not many examples of
art movements in Singapore. In
this business-driven city-state,
art is mostly presented to the
public in the neat confines of
museums and galleries, and
featuring the works of famous
artists. While they may exist,
provocative art by newer artists,
and which openly challenge “Demolition Party” at the Mill. Photo courtesy of WeJungle and Charles Osawa.

SOCIAL SPACE JANUARY 2019 13


artists have used the spaces to
Here, most art spaces are state-owned, create art depicting the tension
and privately owned art spaces tend to resulting from Singapore’s
be expensive to rent and difficult for rapid reconstruction.51 The
up-and-coming artists to access. Before works invite viewers to reflect
they can be exhibited publicly, an artist’s on the past and the identities
works have to be screened by the Media they lose when their homes and
Development Authority. communal buildings are torn
down—as well as to consider
how demolition destroys not only
prevailing values and social are torn down and replaced by the physical buildings, but also
norms, are not easily found in newer, more modern buildings.50 their history and memories. The
open venues. artwork on Eminent Plaza was a
Artists have therefore found commentary on its questionable
Here, most art spaces are state- in about-to-be-demolished tenant mix—massage parlours
owned, and privately owned art buildings an affordable venue and karaoke bars—while the
spaces tend to be expensive to showcase their works. works at The Mill explored
to rent and difficult for up- Demolition art consists of the idea of “destruction and
and-coming artists to access. grassroots exhibitions that rebirth”. Both these instances
Before they can be exhibited are artist- or proprietor-led. of demolition art demonstrates
publicly, an artist’s works have They normally occur when the how the community can use
to be screened by the Media proprietor wants to have their art to process their feelings of
Development Authority.48 building memorialised before displacement and loss following
As a result, for creators who demolition, usually in the form a building’s “death”.
do not wish to be censored, or of an event. At this event space,
to self-censor, their only other they invite Singapore-based
option is to self-exhibit within artists to exhibit their works
a private art space, though as and hold performances. Many of Also check out:
earlier mentioned, the rental these demolition exhibits touch
fees are high and there is on the themes of spontaneity • Singapore’s street
fierce competition for a limited and chaos, and encourage art scene52
number of spots. community engagement and • WeJungle's
collaboration. “Demolition Party”
As such, many newer artists pictures53
have turned to innovative Before the upcoming demolitions
methods to present their works, of The Mill and Eminent Plaza,
such as in buildings scheduled
for demolition. Demolition
art, also seen in cities like
Tokyo and Seoul, is a type of
“ephemeral art” which channels
the freedom and temporal Throughout history and across the world,
nature of street art. However, artists have used their creations in innovative
this movement has a special ways to share ideas and call attention to
significance in the context of various issues. And on a broader level, art movements allow
Singapore, a country that sees us to see art’s effectiveness in sending a strong message,
many of its buildings torn down sparking an emotional reaction, raising awareness and
and rebuilt in the name of inviting dialogue.
urbanisation.49 Structures here
are often described as having So the next time you enjoy art of any form, notice the impact
“short building life syndrome” it is having on you. It could very well be changing the way
because they are only used for a you see the world—and hopefully in a positive way.
short period of time before they

14 SOCIAL SPACE JANUARY 2019


SAFE AND SECURE? NOT WITHOUT DIGITAL HYGIENE

Notes
1
Wikiart, “From Slavery Through Reconstruction” by Aaron 30
Christies, “Art, Revolution and the ‘Golden Age of the Cuban
Douglas, https://www.wikiart.org/en/aaron-douglas/from-slavery- Poster’”, 18 May 2018, https://www.christies.com/features/Art-
through-reconstruction-1934 revolution-and-the-Golden-Age-of-the-Cuban-Poster-9194-1.aspx
2
Definition of “Art”, Oxford Dictionaries, 31
Kylie Knott, “Eco-Artists in Hong Kong Wage War on Plastic
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/art through Works That Raise Awareness of Issues Both Local and
3
Wikipedia, “Art Movements”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Global”, South China Morning Post, 13 March 2018, https://www.
Art_movement scmp.com/lifestyle/article/2136991/meet-hong-kong-eco-artists-
making-environmental-art-raise-awareness-local
4
Wikiart, “Self-Portrait” by Horace Pippin, https://www.wikiart.org/
en/horace-pippin/self-portrait-1941
32
Council on Foreign Relations, “China’s Environmental Crisis”,
18 January 2016, https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/chinas-
5
Poetry Foundation, “An Introduction to the Harlem Renaissance”,
environmental-crisis
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/collections/145704/an-
introduction-to-the-harlem-renaissance
33
Ibid.
6
Cary D. Wintz, “The Harlem Renaissance: What Was It, and Why
34
Asit K Biswas and Kris Hartley, “China’s Green Plan for the World
Does It Matter?”, Humanities Texas, February 2015, https://www. Starts with Infrastructure”, The Independent, 25 October 2017,
humanitiestexas.org/news/articles/harlem-renaissance-what-was- https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/china-s-green-
it-and-why-does-it-matter planning-for-the-world-starts-with-infrastructure-a8015001.html
7
Poetry Foundation, “An Introduction to the Harlem Renaissance”.
35
Isaac Yuen, “Past Meets Present: Shan Shui Environmental Art”,
Ekostories, 22 February 2013, https://ekostories.com/2013/02/22/
8
National Museum of African American History and Culture,
shan-shui-environmental-art
“A New African American Identity: The Harlem Renaissance”,
https://nmaahc.si.edu/blog-post/new-african-american-identity-
36
Yang Yongliang’s website, https://www.yangyongliang.com
harlem-renaissance 37
Normandy Madden, “Conservation Ads Turn Art into Warning
9
Henry Rhodes, “The Social Contributions of The Harlem about Pollution”, AdAge, 25 March 2009, https://adage.com/china/
Renaissance”, Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute, http:// article/china-news/conservation-ads-turn-art-into-warning-about-
teachersinstitute.yale.edu/curriculum/units/1978/2/78.02.08.x.html pollution/135497
10
Wintz, “The Harlem Renaissance: What Was It, and Why Does It
38
Andrew Nunes, “How Artists Are Fighting Air Pollution in Beijing”,
Matter?”. Creators.vice.com, 5 January 2016, at https://creators.vice.com/
en_us/article/wnpb4b/artists-and-air-pollution-in-china
11
Rhodes, “The Social Contributions of The Harlem Renaissance”. 39
Some examples of Kong Ning’s creations via Imgur, https://imgur.
12
Wintz, “The Harlem Renaissance: What Was It, and Why Does It
com/gallery/t496c
Matter?”. 40
Zhang Chun, “Environmental Protection Is the Greatest Religion,
13
George Hutchinson, “Harlem Renaissance”, Encyclopaedia
says Chinese Artist”, Chinadialogue.net, 13 August 2014, https://
Britannica, last updated 3 October 2018, https://www.britannica.
www.chinadialogue.net/culture/7221-Environmental-protection-
com/event/Harlem-Renaissance-American-literature-and-art
is-the-greatest-religion-says-Chinese-artist/en
14
Wikimedia Commons, “Category: Aaron Douglas (painter)”, https:// 41
Cai Guoqiang’s website, http://www.caiguoqiang.com
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Aaron_Douglas_(painter) 42
“China’s ‘Smog Art’ Movement”, Chinadaily.com.cn, 12 March
15
Wikimedia Commons, “Category: Works by Langston Hughes”,
2014, http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/culture/art/2014-03/12/
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Works_by_
content_17340479.htm
Langston_Hughes 43
Liu Qin, “A Prayer for Clear Air”, Chinadialogue.net, 27 February
16
Wikimedia Commons, “Category: Videos of Duke Ellington”,
2014, https://www.chinadialogue.net/culture/6769-A-prayer-for-
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Videos_of_Duke_
clear-air/en
Ellington 44
Anna McGurk, “5 Artists Take on China’s Appalling Air Quality”,
17
Image via https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16928247
Ecowatch.com, 14 January 2017, https://www.ecowatch.com/
18
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, “Cuban Revolution”, china-air-pollution-2190306793.html
Encyclopaedia Britannica, last updated 19 July 2018, https://www. 45
Duncan Macleod, “Shan Shui Environmental Art from China”, The
britannica.com/event/Cuban-Revolution
Inspiration Room, 23 March 2009, http://theinspirationroom.com/
19
David D’arcy, “It’s Not Politics. It’s Just Cuba”, New York Times, daily/2009/shan-shui-environmental-art-from-china
3 February 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/03/arts/ 46
Studio International, “Kong Ning: ‘Being a Witness Mentally
design/03darc.html
Scarred Me’”, 22 December 2016, https://www.studiointernational.
20
IMDB listing at https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064609/ com/index.php/kong-ning-video-interview-artist-activist
21
The University of Arizona, “The Silkscreen Revolution: An Exhibit 47
David Sim, “Fxxk Air Pollution: China’s Artists and Fashion
of Cuban Poster Art”, YouTube video, https://www.youtube.com/ Designers Respond to Beijing Smog [Photo Report]”, International
watch?v=7p-MjOKIGxA Business Times, 30 December 2015, https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/
22
Wikipedia, “Guerrillero Heroico”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ fxxk-air-pollution-chinas-artists-fashion-designers-respond-
Guerrillero_Heroico beijing-smog-photo-report-1490448
23
World Atlas, “What Was the Counterculture of the 1960s and 48
Catherine Chapman, “Inside Singapore’s Demolition Art
1970s?”, https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-was-the- Movement”, Creators.vice.com, 18 August 2015, https://creators.
counterculture-of-the-1960s-and-70s.html vice.com/en_uk/article/aen48b/inside-singapores-demolition-art-
24
Art History Archive, “The Photographer behind the Face of movement
Ernesto Che Guevara”, http://www.arthistoryarchive.com/ 49
May Leong and Mimi Kirk, “Trend: Singapore’s ‘Demolition Art’”,
arthistory/photography/Alberto-Korda.html Art Radar, 31 July 2015, http://artradarjournal.com/2015/07/31/
25
Wikiart, “Che Guevara”, https://www.wikiart.org/en/andy-warhol/ singapores-demolition-art
che-guevara 50
Guan Tan, “In Singapore, Buildings Made to Die”, 27 October 2017,
26
Kacper Grass, “Two Worlds Collide: Pop Art and the Cuban T: The New York Times Style Magazine Singapore, https://www.
Revolution”, Daily Art Magazine, 10 April 2018, http://www. tsingapore.com/article/in-singapore-buildings-made-to-die
dailyartmagazine.com/pop-art-and-the-cuban-revolution 51
Ibid.
27
Wikipedia, “Che Guevara in Popular Culture”, 52
Mayo Martin, “Against the Wall: The Journey of Singapore’s
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Che_Guevara_in_popular_culture Street Art Scene from Fringe to Mainstream”, Channel Newsasia,
28
Art Net, “Douglas Perez Castro”, http://www.artnet.com/artists/ 20 January 2018, https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/
douglas-perez-castro lifestyle/against-the-wall-the-journey-of-singapore-s-street-art-
29
International Center of Photography, “Walker Evans”, scene-9869194
https://www.icp.org/browse/archive/constituents/walker-
53
WeJungle, “Demolition Party” Facebook album, https://www.
evans?all/all/all/all/0 facebook.com/pg/WeJungle/photos/?tab=album&album_
id=1177936398899714

Stephanie Tran Rojas was a 2018 Summer Associate (Editorial) at the Lien Centre for Social Innovation. Born and raised
in San Diego, California, she is a third-year nursing student from the University of Pennsylvania. She sees media and art as
invaluable tools for social change, and believes that “with art, one can create an intimate connection between strangers that
spans across time and space”. Stephanie is additionally interested in the media as a platform for public health campaigns
and the use of literature to bring about ideological shifts. In her free time, she enjoys incorporating art into her daily life with
dancing and writing. She can be reached at trojas@upenn.edu

SOCIAL SPACE JANUARY 2019 15

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