What Is Labor Art?

Labor Art is a broad term that constitutes a wide variety of forms, genres and mediums including, but not limited to painting, drawing, cartoon, lithograph, sculpture, poster art, mural art, photography, poetry, film and performing arts. 

Artists and workers share a common bond in that they both have had to fight for respect and legitimacy in society.  There are many artists who consider their art --- the making of art itself -- a “political act.”  It is therefore not surprising that so many artists find powerful subject matter in the issues tied to the labor movement and other social causes.

For example, did you know that, during the Mexican Revolution, muralist Diego Rivera was commissioned to paint murals that were used to educate illiterate masses in socialist ideology?  Moreover, during the early part of the twentieth century, the public had little or no access to media such as radio or television so art became the medium by which to reach the public. Artists and their patrons soon realized that the messages and ideas inherent in a work of art had the potential to influence audiences. This is one reason why so many great works of art have sparked so much political controversy.

As we begin our exploration of the complex relationship between art and the labor movement we are faced with asking ourselves the following questions:

• What makes a work of art “Labor Art?”
• Is a work of art considered “Labor Art” if it was produced by a worker?
• Is a work of art considered “Labor Art” if it was commissioned by a union for a specific campaign?
• Is a work of art considered “Labor Art” if it depicts workers at work?
• Is there a difference between political art and ideological propaganda?

There are no right or wrong answers to these questions.  Take a moment to view the exhibits in the web links posted below and you will formulate your own responses to the question, What is Labor Art?

Web Links to View:
Strike,
The Bridge Crew, (1996), Mark Priest
Seamstresses, Soyer
Mine Rescue, (1939), Fletcher Martin
Workers Holiday – Coney Island, Ralf Fasenella
Strike, Labors Heritage