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Militant Art

Activist artists choose to engage with and start a conversation on a variety of topics, from the environment and politics to race, gender and sexuality. A huge element of what makes contemporary art so important is engaging with current world issues; art is an invaluable tool in providing innovative insight and fresh perspectives where words can fail.

The incredible beauty of the natural world is something that artists have represented for centuries. So when it comes under threat by humanity, it's not surprising that ecologically engaged artists such as Jérémy Gobé, Angeles Peña and Franck Seguin use their art to promote its protection. 

Gender and sexuality also plays a significant role in artistic activism. Belgian photographer Charlotte Abramow's stunning shots explore gender identity, feminism and female sexuality. Meanwhile, American non-binary artist Ryan Wilks' drawings confront the difficult relationship between sexual orientation and religion.

The world of politics is also ever present in contemporary art, with political artists exploring humanitarian issues and our societal values. World famous street artists Banksy and Shepard Fairey both explore a range of political subjects, from war crime to the disadvantages of consumerism. 

Expand your horizons and discover Artsper's curated selection of activist artists!

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Print, Love, Takashi Murakami

Takashi Murakami

Print . 50 x 50 cm Print . 19.7 x 19.7 inch

$2,506

Painting, Skull 93/93, Damien Hirst

Damien Hirst

Painting . 2.5 x 2.5 x 0.5 cm Painting . 1 x 1 x 0.2 inch

$2,584

Painting, Piece by piece, Poovi Art

Poovi Art

Painting . 121.9 x 76.2 x 3.8 cm Painting . 48 x 30 x 1.5 inch

$1,396

Sculpture, The Wedding, Tracey Emin

Tracey Emin

Sculpture . 11.4 x 10.2 x 5 cm Sculpture . 4.5 x 4 x 2 inch

$17,899

Sculpture, L.o.v.e, Maurizio Cattelan

Maurizio Cattelan

Sculpture . 40 x 18 x 18 cm Sculpture . 15.7 x 7.1 x 7.1 inch

$1,493

Painting, But by choice, Poovi Art

Poovi Art

Painting . 152.4 x 121.9 x 3.8 cm Painting . 60 x 48 x 1.5 inch

$2,057

Painting, Les tulipes, Patricia Simsa

Patricia Simsa

Painting . 60 x 30 x 5 cm Painting . 23.6 x 11.8 x 2 inch

$1,378

Painting, Skull 01/93, Damien Hirst

Damien Hirst

Painting . 2.5 x 2.5 x 0.5 cm Painting . 1 x 1 x 0.2 inch

$2,584

Print, Window, Maurizio Cattelan

Maurizio Cattelan

Print . 63 x 51.6 x 0.1 cm Print . 24.8 x 20.3 x 0 inch

$5,684

Print, Power, Cleon Peterson

Cleon Peterson

Print . 61 x 46 x 0.1 cm Print . 24 x 18.1 x 0 inch

$689

Painting, Untitled, Damien Hirst

Damien Hirst

Painting . 41 x 41 x 1 cm Painting . 16.1 x 16.1 x 0.4 inch

$3,445 $3,100

Print, Blue Madonna, Tracey Emin

Tracey Emin

Print . 65.5 x 55.5 x 0.01 cm Print . 25.8 x 21.9 x 0 inch

$20,669

Painting, Silent renewal 03, Poovi Art

Poovi Art

Painting . 121.9 x 76.2 x 3.8 cm Painting . 48 x 30 x 1.5 inch

$1,191

Sculpture, Giants, High jump in Rio, JR

JR

Sculpture . 99 x 55 x 20 cm Sculpture . 39 x 21.7 x 7.9 inch

$11,483