Painting Change Art in Activism Art in Activism

In a world full of injustice and inhumanity, it’s easy to feel powerless in the grand scheme of change. As a student, especially underage, how can you possibly be loud enough to institute any real progress? Activism in a fast moving world can be tricky, but you may have more capability than you realize.

Activism

Activism. What is it? I interviewed Evangelina “Eva” Amato, President of San Diego High School’s Climate Action Club, for some experienced insight:

How would you define activism?

“I’d define activism as a creative [form of] problem-solving, because you’re using the resources you have to solve political or societal issues. It’s really a beautiful thing, because these are issues that normally only politicians or rich people have leverage on. So, activism is important to democracy, really.”

What qualities do you consider essential in a student activist?

“I think that the essential qualities for a student activist are mostly determination and will-power. It’s because I am really passionate about the climate, and I have taken much more than possible on my plate, that I have been able to do so much in such a short time. If you don’t think you can do it… I mean, it’s just going to happen. If you are really passionate about something, it’s going to work out. So honestly, just get over that fear and get started.

Eva said it all. Activism is a way of raising awareness and changing minds by connecting with others, a form of persuasion. But for students, the question remains - how can I magnify my ideas in an accessible way to induce change?

Art

What better way to provoke thought in an audience than through art? Like Eva said, activism is a demonstration of passion and determination. Art is the ultimate form of expression and passion, a way to sculpt our ideas into physical forms with which others can connect, interpret, and interact. Art is powerful in every form, it can push an individual out of their comfort zone, and make them feel something.

Here are a few things to remember when using your art to inspire awareness:

All forms of art are fair game!

This might be obvious, but get creative! Whether it be painting, sculpting, dancing, or creating music, use the form of art most relevant to you. Think about the different ways to express yourself and choose the one you think would be most effective in getting your point across. Don’t be afraid to collaborate with others.

Plan meaningfully

Think about your audience. Who is this art meant to reach? What effect do you want it to have on them? Is your art meant as a call to arms, or to change the minds of opposing viewers? Think about how your art will convince an audience.

Use social media to your advantage.

Don’t be afraid to post your work- you could even create a separate account for your art. Since millions of people worldwide use these platforms, sharing art through social media is a super effective way of creating wide-spread, global reach!

Eva’s Tips for Student Activists (Plus an Update on SDHS Climate Action Club)

At the end of our interview, I asked Eva for three tips for students hoping to become more active in change and in opening dialogue around passionate issues within their community. Here’s her response:

Find the Community

“Find the community, obviously, whether that be friends or a non-profit organization, whatever it might be. That’s where you’ll find resources and support.”

Take Every Opportunity

“Follow every opportunity. I have a list of climate organizations and different pathways I could take, because you never know which one is going to work out the best. (...) Say yes to everything.”

Get Started

“Get started. It’s going to work out no matter what. Be mindful of your impact. It’s all going to work out, and you’re going to learn from it.”

Interested in supporting San Diego High School’s Climate Action Club? Follow the SDHS Climate Club on instagram and stay on the look out for the Climate Club newsletter, coming soon!

Contributors

leadership staff writers

Lea Nepomuceno, Editor in Chief

Sahithi Lingampalli, Editor in Chief

Beckham Arias, Jr Editor in Chief

Dori Zubkoff

Stephanie Le

Sydney Hagler

Adelina Ramirez

Elise Pendoley

Jaiden Wick

Angela Bautista

Eljen Lacibal

Akshara Madabushi

Thejo Tattala

Abby Hyde

Mia Young

Jeewon Kim-Ka

Lea Nepomuceno

Emmaryn Stones artists

Taylor Diosa

Sahithi Lingampalli

Maggie Sackett

Jennifer Le

Hannah Monzon

Thejo Tattala

Layout Designers

Emily Le

Angela Bautista

Elena Fritz

Nathan Pe

Sahithi Lingampalli

Jennifer Le

Cover art by Sahithi Lingampalli