In troubling times, artists are often inspired to create.
Think “Guernica,” Pablo Picasso’s response to Francisco Franco’s bombing of Guernica, Spain, during the Spanish Civil War.
Or David Alfaro Siqueiros brilliant mural, “From the Dictatorship of Porfirio Diaz to the Revolution — The People in Arms,” which depicts the 1910 Mexican Revolution but was clearly intended to address the political turmoil in Mexico in the 1950s.
Or Langston Hughes short, powerful poem, “I Look at the World.”
When times are tough, artists speak through their medium.
“Artists have tools, very good ones, to put thoughts (out) and possibly inspire others,” says artist Royce Davenport, one of the organizers of “We Have Something to Say,” a group art exhibit with 26 participating artists from Southern Arizona. It’s happening Oct. 5-7 at the Steinfeld Warehouse.
The art, poems, discussions, paintings and photos all address the current political climate.
“What’s happening politically has touched each of us on all levels,” says Davenport.
Among the artists with works in the show are the Star’s political cartoonist David Fitzsimmons, Barbara Brandel, Rand Carlson, Héctor Jaime Acuña, Helen Gaus, William Lesch and Chris Britt.
There will be poetry readings from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 5, from William Pitt Root, Jefferson Carter and Charlotte Lowe. And at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6, there will be presentations from Fitzsimmons on censorship, Emily Amadhia King on transgender issues, and Ken Matesich on climate change.
The opening reception is 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, and the gallery is open noon-9 p.m. Oct. 5 and 6, and noon-5 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Steinfeld Warehouse Art Center, 101 W. Sixth St.
The event is free. For more information, visit facebook.com/WHSTSArt/.
