Anarchism in the arts
As a political theory that encompasses the full spectrum of social, philosophical, political and economic, Anarchism has a deep reach in culture.
Like socialism, communism and even fascism, Anarchism has a plethora of imagery and symbolism which have become associated with a variety of groups and movements, and co-opted (or 'recuperated') by capitalist industry.
Anarchist artists (visual)
(ie, using art/illustration to promote specifically anarchist ideas)
- Clifford Harper
- Flavio Constantini
- Gee Vaucher
- Donald Rooum (Wildcat Comics, see Freedom anarchist fortnightly
- Arthur Moyse
- Jay Kinney (Anarchy Comics)
Music
A number of performers and artists have either been inspired by anarchist concepts, or have used the medium of music and sound in order to promote anarchist ideas and politics.
Punk rock is one movement that has taken much inspiration from the often potent imagery and symbolism associated with anarchism and situationism, if not always the political theory. Indeed, many anarchists were introduced to the ideas of Anarchism through that symbolism and the anti-authoritarian sentiment which many punk songs expressed.
Anarcho-punk on the other hand is a current that has been more explicitly engaged with anarchist politics, particularly in the case of bands such as Crass, Poison Girls, (early) Chumbawamaba, The Ex, Flux Of Pink Indians, Riot/Clone, etc. Many other bands, especially at the local level of unsigned groups, have taken on what is known as a "punk" or "DIY" ethic: that is, Doing It Yourself, indeed a popular Anarcho-punk slogan reads "DIY not EMI", a reference to the major record company.
Literature/fiction
Anarchist writers, or those that have incorporated anarchist ideas into their fiction, include;
- Ursula Le Guin (esp. The Dispossessed)
- Michael Moorcock
- M John Harrison
- Robert Anton Wilson (The Illuminatus trilogy)
- BS Traven
Lots more development needed...
To be continued