Art has the power to change the world. We know this and yet fail to give it the daily attention it warrants.
But throughout history, women have been sidelined from the greatest art platforms across the world. Some galleries only began displaying works by female artists roughly 50 years ago. And those who made it were few and far between.
But something’s happened over the last decade. The internet has altered this previously bleak status quo: Young women everywhere are rising up and using social platforms to spread their art. And they’re influencing politics and social agenda in the process.
With the 2020 US election well and truly afoot, we take a look at how young, female influencers with clout have used their platforms in recent months, encouraging Americans to vote and remove Trump from the White House.
Liana Finck
34-year old Brooklyn-based artist Liana Finck has had her cartoons published in The New Yorker since 2016.
Her Instagram account is filled with hilarious observational scenes of daily life; often about the invisible forces at work when different groups of people get together. She locates troubling power imbalance dynamics between men and women, and sprinkles her cartoons with very wise observations.
Recently, she posted a series of her own cartoons tackling the election, with clear instructions for her 537k followers.
“Bullies are stupid and empty. Fight Back”, one reads, accompanying a cartoon of a small figure racing towards a larger figure with he word “VOTE!” below it.
Another cartoon shows a line of women waiting outside a door marked “Polling Place” with “Restroom” crossed out above it. The caption reads: “If you’ve ever been to a women’s bathroom at halftime, then you know we can handle a long line to vote.”
Finck accompanies the post with her own remarks: “Please vote if you haven’t yet and aren’t a bad guy.”
Beyoncé
This mega-star has over 155 million followers, which means 155 million views on her last three posts focused on the US election.
In the last few days, the 39-year old has posted a picture of herself in a Biden Harris face mask, with the caption: “Come thru, Texas! #VOTE”
In the past, she has posted tiles with instructions on how to vote, and a screenshot of a letter she signed to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell about the Heroes Act.
“ I am proud to stand with my mother,” she wrote, “and the Mothers of The Movement to send this open letter to senators calling for the passing of the Heroes Act. This bill would help provide funding to ensure that our vote is protected this election cycle. Read the letter and add your voice with ours. Together we can be the change we want to see in the world. Sign the petition today by clicking the link in my bio. #ANDSTILLIVOTE”
Ariana Grande
Last week, the 27-year old pop star, who’s just released her latest album “Positions” posted on Instagram: “Fact: In 2016, only half of 18-29 year olds voted. This time, let’s all do it.”
Four days later, she sent a message out to all Florida citizens: “Florida is a very important state in this election and could make all the difference in the results. Please vote. Help make sure everyone votes (for Biden)” she wrote.
On Election Day, she wrote “it’s a beautiful day to vote for Joe Biden + Kamala Harris.” With over 205 million followers, this young woman is using her platform to get the current president out of the White House.
In fact, the music video to her title track from her latest album shows her as the President of the United States. Obviously trying to capitalise on the election, in the video, she moves through a mock War Room, Oval Office and other well-known locations from a White House-themed set.
The video is a joy to watch, because we see President Grande at a large table listening to women from a diverse range of ethnic and racial backgrounds talking, debating and turning papers around, appearing like the strong female decision-makers all governments should be employing.