Podcast Summary: Ologies with Alie Ward – "Field Trip: Activism Art Panel Recorded at WonderCon"

Release Date: March 1, 2025

In this engaging episode of Ologies with Alie Ward, host Alie Ward joins Carol Wells and C. Andrew Hall for a vibrant discussion on activism art, recorded live at WonderCon in Anaheim, California. The panel delves into the history, impact, and future of political posters and activism art, blending personal narratives with insightful analysis.

1. Exploring WonderCon and Activism Art

Carol Wells sets the scene at WonderCon, likening it to a youthful counterpart to San Diego’s Comic-Con, bustling with thousands of attendees adorned in elaborate costumes. She describes the vibrant atmosphere filled with iconic characters—from Loki and Westworld enthusiasts to creative iterations like “Captain Mexico” (00:30).

"It's like Halloween, but it's in March and no one's dressed like a hot dog. Everyone's specific, and I like that."
— Carol Wells (00:30)

Carol also introduces the purpose of her presence at WonderCon: moderating a panel on activist poster art alongside C. Andrew Hall of Functional Magic and Carol Wells herself from the Center for the Study of Political Graphics. The panel aims to highlight the enduring power of political posters in social movements.

2. Personal Journeys into Activism Art

Alie Ward initiates the conversation by exploring the origins of Carol Wells' passion for political posters.

"I became an art historian, but I taught about the art of the rich and powerful by day, and I protested the institutions of the rich and powerful on the streets on weekends."
— Carol Wells (04:46)

Carol recounts a pivotal moment from 1981 during the Nicaraguan revolution that transformed her career from medieval architecture to activism art.

"That poster changed my life... When I watched him mouth the words on the poster... that was the moment I realized that's how posters work."
— Carol Wells (05:18)

This experience underscored the profound impact that grassroots artwork can have in provoking thought and inspiring action.

3. The Mechanics Behind Effective Political Posters

The panel discusses why political posters are effective in today’s image-saturated environment. Carol explains that posters serve as counter-advertisements, cutting through the barrage of commercial imagery to deliver powerful messages.

"They make us look at the world in a different way... the trick is finding an image that will break through all the other images and attract your attention."
— Carol Wells (07:32)

Alie adds that posters validate supporters’ beliefs, challenge indifferent observers, and occasionally persuade those who might not otherwise engage with the message.

"It's all of the above. The people who agree with you need to know that they're not alone... every once in a while you do reach someone and they start questioning what they never questioned."
— Carol Wells (08:50)

4. Historic Posters That Shaped Movements

Alie highlights significant historical posters, starting with the heartbreaking image from the Vietnam War—the My Lai Massacre photograph captured by Ron Haleborough.

"This legendary color photo... shows this rural dirt path... includes many children."
— Alie Ward (10:36)

The poster, modified by the Art Workers Coalition with emphatic repetition of the word "babies," played a crucial role in shifting public opinion against the war by showcasing the stark realities soldiers faced.

"That poster carried in all these demonstrations kept it before the public... that's what started to change the public sentiment about the war."
— Alie Ward (11:00)

Another notable example is Lorraine Schneider’s "War is not healthy for children and other living things," which became an iconic symbol for the anti-war movement.

"It became a very powerful statement."
— Carol Wells (14:16)

5. Pop Culture’s Influence on Activism Art

The discussion shifts to the intersection of pop culture and activism art. Alie observes that incorporating familiar elements from advertisements and comic styles can make political messages more relatable and impactful.

"Political poster artists generally act really quickly... it looks like a commercial, and then all of a sudden, wait a minute, that doesn't look like a commercial."
— Carol Wells (15:05)

She cites the transformation of Apple’s iPod ads into critical commentary on military torture, showcasing how activism art can subvert popular imagery to highlight serious issues.

"Once you get it in your head, you can never see the real ad again without doing a double take."
— Alie Ward (18:17)

6. Functional Magic: Modern Activism Art for Climate Solutions

C. Andrew Hall introduces Functional Magic, an environmental nonprofit that commissions aesthetically pleasing gig poster-style artwork to promote climate solutions. The initiative aims to merge beauty with activism, making climate action visually appealing and collectible.

"The idea was that I was gonna foreground the art... to inspire people to seek and fight for climate solutions."
— C. Andrew Hall (28:56)

Functional Magic’s approach emphasizes positive messaging, portraying climate solutions as opportunities for improvement rather than sacrifices.

"Our lives will be better if everything's electrified and there's less air pollution... let's get excited about that and work on these things."
— C. Andrew Hall (29:56)

7. Transitioning to the Digital Age

The panel explores the evolution of protest art in the digital era. Alie remarks that while digital platforms facilitate the widespread distribution of posters, physical posters remain vital for their tangible presence in public spaces.

"Paper posters are actually still used more and more because you can't carry your computer screen in a demonstration."
— Carol Wells (34:06)

They discuss how movements like Occupy Wall Street leveraged free downloads to disseminate their messages, blending digital accessibility with street-level activism.

8. The Quest for Iconic Climate Change Imagery

A significant point of discussion is the absence of a unifying icon for the climate change movement, akin to Uncle Sam for the U.S. Army or Rosie the Riveter for war bonds. Carol urges artists and activists to create recognizable symbols that can galvanize public support and awareness.

"It's a challenge for all you artists and graphic designers out there."
— Alie Ward (32:36)

9. Supporting Activism Art

The episode concludes with a call to support pivotal organizations like the Center for the Study of Political Graphics and Functional Magic. Alie emphasizes the importance of preserving and promoting activism art to educate and inspire future generations.

"So we are proud to donate to them and their work... Functional Magic has made four new prints... you want to put on your wall that is collectible."
— Carol Wells (27:19)

10. Final Thoughts

Alie wraps up the panel by highlighting the enduring significance of activism art in documenting struggles, celebrating victories, and fostering a sense of community and power among activists.

"The posters actually tell the stories that we don't learn in school and they don't really want us to know."
— Alie Ward (22:51)

She encourages listeners to engage with activism art, support related organizations, and participate in creating meaningful change through visual expression.

Notable Quotes:

• "You are not the same person you were before you asked the question."
  — Carol Wells (05:18)

• "Oh my God."
  — Carol Wells (06:55)

• "First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win."
  — Carol Wells (20:15)

• "Memes are not protest art, but disruptive protest art is evolving in digital spaces."
  — Alie Ward (33:11)

Conclusion

This episode of Ologies with Alie Ward offers a comprehensive exploration of activism art, combining historical context with contemporary practices. The panel underscores the vital role of political posters in social movements, their ability to inspire and provoke change, and the ongoing need to support and innovate within this expressive medium.

For more resources and to support the featured organizations, listeners can visit the show notes for links to the Center for the Study of Political Graphics and Functional Magic.