The Art Quarterly Publisher/Editor Mason Hayutin admires Robert Longo’s “First Amendment” during Art Basel 2018.
America is anticipating and waiting on this MLK Day. Today the significance of tolerance, freedoms, and civil liberties has to be further highlighted. Martin Luther King’s lessons were to know respect for one’s fellow man and woman. Prior to “Trump Truths,” many felt optimistic for the ideals taught and exemplified by MLK. His social disobedience paved the way for Americans and other globally aware citizens to assemble for the betterment of a just society. The resistance to equality and justice was and continues to be ignorance, fear, and pure hate. MLK used the visual message to add emphasis to a cause while showing others how to peacefully transform established norms. His historic “I Have A Dream Speech” watched by a nation and globally was visually marked with an unquestioned amount of event attendees. His speech gave the modern march a contemporary gold standard. Many have attempted to recreate his effectiveness. The messaging remains consistent when street art and collected fine art boast slogans: Peace, LOVE, Hope, Colin Kaepernick’s lead raised America’s awareness once again – this time initially in our weekday shrines – stadiums. The outgrowth spurred by Trump has now forced society to refine further our need for credible and fair treatment of America’s laws. On the 20th, the Biden Administration takes on history. America ideally will further define how to speak volumes peacefully. We simply have to remember to listen to our fellow citizens and respect our civil and inalienable rights.
