Happy Friday!
This newsletter is all about making art as resistance, providing inspiration, ideas, and more.
In this issue: Secret Handshake⚡️
Secret Handshake Speaks
If you've been reading this newsletter for awhile, you know we've been tracking the hilarious and pointed art installations of Secret Handshake since last fall. From statues of Trump and Epstein holding hands and reenacting Titanic, to golden toilets, to now an arcade game mocking the current frat boy war on Iran, this anonymous group is creating fantastic art as resistance.
And now, they have spoken to The Times in the UK. To steal from Seth Meyers, this is the kind of story we need right now.
Pep Talk
“So often, it is Black women who have stood against fascist trends before they were recognized as such by others…Black women like Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Thyra J. Edwards, Salaria Kea, Toni Morrison, and Angela Davis spotted fascism long before others did."
Fascism has strong roots right here, in our past of slavery. Long before fascism's rise in Europe, here we were, showing the way. And black women have been saying it for centuries.
To make art that resists, we need to know our history, all the dark corners of it, and all the people who have resisted. That's why I make The Art of Resistance Podcast. And that's why articles like this, chronicling black women's anti-fascist efforts, particularly in education, are well worth the read.
Time Capsule: Making While Unequal
Take a trip back to an early pick from this newsletter 💕
How are we supposed to make our art while living in our daily shitshow? In this historical and still highly relevant article over at the Creative Independent, artist and activist Ann Haeyoung writes about how to work within power structures that don't work for you:
"I won’t pretend to have answers. Instead I’ll offer a challenge: work within these systems, but refuse to internalize the norms of racial capitalism. To do this, let’s begin by exposing the myths of the artist’s life that we all must move on from."
Linkapalooza
I'm reading: Nothing new. I'm stopping and starting books, not connecting to anything. Any recommendations?
I'm watching: House of Dynamite. Appeals to my young self living in the 80s obsessed with all the mistakes that can lead to the end. Really thoughtful, and beautifully done by Kathryn Bigelow.
I'm listening to: Songs from the cats.
I'm sharing:
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🎙️LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: Get empowered with the Art of Resistance Podcast
🦄 EXPLORE THE RESISTANCE LIBRARY: Guides, resources, and recommended reading
📚 GET ART FROM AMY: Books and music for your lists
📋 READ THE GUIDE: 40 Ways to Make Art as Resistance
🤖 SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE PROJECTS! Email me
See you next week!
P.S. The SNL season ended last weekend, but not before delivering an excellent epsiode from host Will Ferrell. I was especially happy to see them reprise the previously cut-for-time gem Cast List.
