The Art of Advocacy
COVID-19. Division. Riots. Climate. Injustice...Processing all that is happening in 2020 is extremely difficult for everyone. Sharing perspectives and opinions has never been harder. Eastern Christian High School’s art program has been one of the most impactful classes of EC. Whether its painting a mural for the public, or simply being open and honest with each piece of art, it is clear that bravery and boldness is something that is practiced.
“The Bible begins with Genesis 1:1 ‘in the beginning, God created’... whether one pursues the arts or not, we were all called to be creative,” said Mr. Jesse Wright, the art teacher at Eastern Christian High School in an interview. “Students expressing themselves in art can be healing and therapeutic. It can help release feelings, and understand feelings and share perspectives.”
This is one of many walls at Eastern Christian covered in works of art made by students.
This artwork was made by Khalid Davis, a high school sophomore, depicting his view of 2020. This contains different depictions of COVID-19, Kobe Bryant’s tragic passing away and the final panel depicts the year 2020, as a whole, in the garbage.
“Controversy can sometimes depend not on the artist, but on people’s response. An example would be what happened to Christ... He was perceived as controversial yet he brought truth and hope,” said Mr. Jesse Wright.
“Controversy can sometimes depend not on the artist, but on people’s response. An example would be what happened to Christ... He was perceived as controversial yet he brought truth and hope,” said Mr. Jesse Wright.
“It's not responsible to court controversy or seek to bring about an unhealthy agitation,” stated Mr. Jesse Wright, “We can bring forth truth that might be hard for a person to receive, but the purpose of that should be to bring forth a hope, a healing and reconciliation.”