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Defending human rights with artistic activism

Art and activism share many of the same goals, such as communicating new ideas, disrupting the status quo,  and inspiring others to take action — so it’s no surprise that artistic activism is a powerful driver of change.

Creativity is at the heart of social justice movements because it nurtures the imagination needed to build new futures rooted in dignity, care and justice. Through artistic expression, activists can build deeper connections with the causes they care about, strengthen global solidarity, and inspire collective action.

Every year, Amnesty International works with artists worldwide to commission artistic activism pieces to defend and promote human rights for all. This year’s Write for Rights Campaign in Canada commissioned several pieces of art and poetry to express solidarity and inspire action for each of the individuals and communities featured in the campaign.

The Write for Rights 2024 Collection tells an awe-inspiring story of resilience, solidarity, and determination. Scroll down to view the artistic pieces.

art & activism

Are you interested in learning more about artistic activism? Register for our free course Art & Activism: Promoting Human Rights through Creative Expression with the Amnesty Human Rights Academy.

One

WRITE FOR RIGHTS ARTISTIC ACTIVISM

A Collection to Inspire Change

A Pantoum for Wedzin Kwa

By Zehra Naqvi

This poem is written in solidarity with Wet’suwet’en land defenders and their fight to protect their ancestral lands and waterways against forced industrialization and police militarization. It is inspired by descriptions of the sacred river Wedzin Kwa by members of the Wet’suwet’en community, and questions the unjust criminalization of land defenders fighting to defend her. The poem follows the pantoum form, allowing for meaning to develop through the repetition and layering of lines and images.

"In solidarity with Wet’suwet’en land defenders and their fight to protect their nation’s unceded ancestral lands and waterways."

Zehra Naqvi

Zehra Naqvi Poem

Two

The Tree of Peace

By Rachel Lim

Dorgelesse Nguessan, a single mother and hairdresser from Cameroon, was arrested while attending a peaceful protest demanding a better future for her family and her country. She was sentenced to five years in prison.

"The Tree of Peace" is an illustration dedicated to Dorgelesse Nguessan. I drew inspiration from the imagery of her arrest, whereby she was seen holding a tree of peace (a type of corn plant, Dracaena fragrans). This plant is a cultural symbol in Western Cameroon that brings peace and wards off evil. As an activist who values the power of social movements and resistance through peaceful demonstrations and symbolic art, this case resonates with me deeply. No one should be criminalized for exercising their right to freely protest against corruption and manipulation."

Rachel Lim

Three

A Woman’s Right

By Bernice Mwaura

Justyna Wydrzyńska helped a woman in an abusive relationship get a safe abortion in Poland where abortion is a crime. She was convicted, setting a dangerous precedent and making access to safe abortion even harder for those who seek one.

"Justyna’s case resonated with me because we as women, share in a plight for control over our bodies - no matter where we live. My artwork was inspired by the thousands of women in Poland - and beyond who are showing up, every day, in defence of human rights!"

Bernice Mwaura

Bernice Mwaura art piece

Four

Jasmin Smith Poem

Outside Walls – Rapid Over Jagged Rocks

By Jasmin Smith

Rocky Myers, a Black man with an intellectual disability, has spent three decades on death row in Alabama for murder despite flawed proceedings. Assigned ineffective legal representation, Rocky was convicted following testimonies blighted by inconsistencies and alleged police pressure.

“‘Outside Walls’ is a piece speaking to the freedom of the everyday world, and the liberty of being able to create identity and belonging in spite of societal obstacles. I use birds, stuffed bears, and elephants to depict the connection between Rocky and his four children, who have all been supportive in the call for Rocky’s freedom. Rocky’s musical passion is also depicted through the drum, mixing with Christian imagery to capture the importance of faith in Rocky’s life.

“Made in tandem with a speculative poem about death penalty victims, “Rapid Over Jagged Rocks,” the piece speaks on the mourning that accompanies incarceration. Decision-makers discuss the death penalty as though it is a finite end, and “Outside Walls” engages with this conversation by highlighting the personal worlds that the carceral system will never be able to erase.

“I hope that the longer the viewer looks at the piece, the more Rocky’s story unravels, revealing the true injustice of keeping Rocky imprisoned. More importantly, I hope that if Rocky ever sees this piece, it reminds him of home.”

Jasmin Smith

Five

Mura Kalmel Sipa: Together We Unite

By Erica Luo

Uncle Pabai and Uncle Paul’s ancestors have lived on islands of the Torres Strait in Australia for thousands of years. Their whole way of life – which as Indigenous Peoples is deeply connected to land, sea and sky – is threatened because of climate change.

"Uncle Pabai and Uncle Paul's case is a testament to the beauty of Mother Nature's conservation as a protection for its people, the cultures that thrive in tandem, and the future generations that come after. The king tides that flood Torres Strait is not an isolated incident, but one that sets the precedent for the impact of climate change on every community. The fight against climate change must be a collective action, not only led by those directly affected, but requires the power of unity between the people and governments to achieve the solution that will allow everyone to thrive."

Erica Luo

Six

A Mother’s Cry

By Daniela Luna Cardenas-Ibarra

Ana Maria Santos Cruz is fighting for justice for her son, Pedro Henrique, who was shot and killed after organizing peaceful protests against police abuse in Brazil. The police officers suspected of the killing are still working and a trial has yet to begin.

"As a poet, my hope is that this piece inspires and confronts readers with the realities faced by individuals like Pedro Henrique and, more recently, Ana Maria, in a world where racism, corruption, and impunity threatens the lives of activists."

Daniela Luna Cardenas-Ibarra

Seven

“Yinka Dini” (People of this Land) 

By Satsi Naziel

“Traditionally the Wet’suwet’en would introduce themselves as Yinka Dini, it was only other nations that would refer to us a Wet’suwet’en (people of the lower drainage).

“In this piece I have drawn just that, our people living as people of this Land. Fishing by the river canyon, hunting, drumming, and protecting what we have been protecting for thousands of years.”

“The mountains, rivers, eagles, and wildlife such a moose are seen in this image. Plant life such as willow and soap berries are also represented.

“The button blanket is represented as a decorative border around the image, to represent this way of life, as being the way our ancestors have practiced together. Shaping our traditional governance system.

“The decision to protect our Yintah (land) from destructive industries, is the way of the land and our ancestral wisdom to know we only take what we need. That being said, Coastal Gas Link is taking from the land things we do not need, when green energy is available as an alternate source of energy. Our sacred pathways, such as the Kweese War trail have been destroyed, and archeological rich sites gone with it.

“The decision to protect the yintah and stop Coastal Gas Link comes as a necessity if we want to continue living this way of life as Yinka Dini.”

Satsi Naziel

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Youth Activist

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