Art as Terrorism — Antanas Mockus

Antanas Mockus, was a mayor of Bogota Columbia who used innovative, creative methods to build civil society. The following is from an interview between Mockus and Pedro Reyes (From Marisa’ Jahn’s Byproduct)

PR: How do you imagine the role of the artist as social agent?

AM: I think one could veery convincingly put forward: “Commit art, not terrorism.” Art is capable of producing commotions on par with a terrorist act, installing itself in the people’s memory and imagination. Art is a route, more laborious, but a route nonetheless.
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Almost every form of violence has a symbolic component, since the perpetrators strive to stir emotions in order to produce meaning. You can achieve the same result without causing physical harm.

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