Panel discussion series
Politics of Music & Art: Hip-Hop, Graffiti, Public vs. Private Spaces

Sun, 29.01.2023
6:00 PM Kunsthaus ACUD

Politics of Music & Art

Can art and music be apolitical? In times of pandemics, wars, revolutions, climate catastrophes; but even in times of peace, when everything seemingly functions, one must ask if non-political art and music can exist? Does an artist, musician, curator or an art institution have a duty to take political stances? And arepolitical meanings always already inherent to  every piece of art, music or exhibition?

In light of the recent and ongoing “Woman Life Freedom” revolution in Iran, many usual or known forms, concepts, and approaches to art and music have been challenged by displacement, deconstruction but also re-contextualization Whether  it’sthe creation processes, distribution, the role they play in Iran’s society or the way the public interacts with and perceives them; art and music have experienced a fundamental transformation. This is best exemplified by how formerly institutionalized, industrialized and privatized ecosystems of art and music have become absurd, useless, and meaningless. On the other hand, more flexible forms of cultural production and consumption, such as public art and public music have become leading if not the only remaining and meaningful voices in a climate of political turmoil.  

Hip-Hop, Graffiti, Public vs. Private Spaces

During times of revolution, some of the most relevant music and art is that which is produced and consumed in the public sphere. Over the course of the past four months of Iran’s revolution hip-hop, and graffiti in particular stand out as   specially receptive forms of art and music . This becomes apparent by written slogans, paintings with revolutionary themes, stencils and sketches on city walls, to hip-hop songs which prompt revolutionary spirits that had millions of listens over just a few days.

Can one argue that it’s time to favour socialized forms of art and music in lieu of privatized and institutionalized forms of art and music as they  are more compatible with revolutions? A revolution understood as  overthrowing any form of a centralized force; may it be theocratic, capitalist, or ideological non-democracies.

Panelists:
Tareq Sydiq (Political Scientist)
Nafir (Graffiti Artist and Musician)
Säye Skye (Musician, Hip-hop Artist)
Dornika (Musician, Drag Performer)