For centuries, art has been used to visually express injustices that occur in societies across the globe. The works in our exhibit all portray social injustices from economic disparity to racial discrimination. The first two works, though created centuries apart, were designed to critique economic disparities brewing within national borders. Created in the mid-Victorian era, William Powell Frith’s portrayal of a poverty-stricken crossing sweeper in the midst of great prosperity highlights the immense gap between social classes. The 2004 image created by street artist “Meek” challenges viewers to recognize the lack of public support for homeless individuals in the twenty-first century. Like Frith and Meek, Domingo Ulloa’s description of the poor Mexican laborers working in US agriculture also touches on issues of class, but with a global dimensions. Finally, Aaron Axelrod’s life-sized installation piece conveys a powerful message about the problems of racial prejudice in present day US. On a whole, these artworks bring awareness to difficult issues with the hope of bringing about a positive change for the future.
William Powell Frith’s The Crossing Sweep (1858) by D. Brooks
Domingo Ulloa’s Braceros (1960) by Q. McEachern