Art // Advocacy
by Lacey Eidem
Barbara Kruger Untitled from Untitled (We Will No Longer Be Seen and Not Heard) 1985
Art, in its diverse forms, possesses the remarkable ability to spark conversations, challenge conventions, and ignite action. As an artist, I harness my creativity to drive social change and raise awareness. It’s no accident that I infuse my artwork with political and controversial themes. Years ago, I believed I had to maintain complete neutrality on my Facebook business page and across social media. However, that approach didn’t align with my authentic self. I’ve always been an opinionated individual, viewing life through a unique lens.
My ‘aha’ moment occurred when I observed another woman-owned small business fearlessly expressing her views on various topics. Surprisingly, I found myself intentionally seeking out her products precisely because of her candid opinions. Since then, I’ve made a deliberate choice to be true to myself—opinions, politics, and all. I believe I’m a decent human being, unafraid to advocate for equality. While I occasionally lose followers or art buyers due to my outspokenness, I’ve gained an even larger community of supporters and art enthusiasts. And you know what? I get to be authentically me.
In a parallel discussion, why do people react so strongly when we channel our creativity toward social justice causes? Isn’t that precisely the purpose of being an artist? We exist to capture life’s essence, and let’s face it: life is often chaotic, raw, and imperfect.
Women have long dealt with systemic biases and gender-based challenges in art and in life as a whole. Sexism has and continues to dismiss women’s contributions as secondary or simply decorative. However, contemporary feminist artists, like Barbera Krueger, are knocking down these ingrained norms, making it clear that women’s creativity is not a product to be collected casually.
Barbara Kruger Untitled from Untitled (We Will No Longer Be Seen and Not Heard)1985
I remember the precise moment when I delved into a book filled with Barbara Kruger’s artwork. Her images convey unapologetic directness. Kruger’s art is a powerful commentary on societal issues. As I delved into her work, I felt an unexpected connection—a shared understanding with another human who deals with the same injustices. The raw power of her visual language moved me profoundly.
Before that, I hadn’t realized that art could be so confrontational. Kruger’s pieces convey messages about inequality, sexism, and the complexities of our existence. In that moment, my viewpoint of art expanded, and I realized its potential to make change, challenge norms, and to connect us in our shared struggles.
From your perspective, what artists have you encountered both in person or in the broader art world, inspired you to advocate for change or advocation? How are you going to advocate for equality in art and life?
Guerrilla Girls Talk The History Of Art vs. The History Of Power, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Lacey Eidem received a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in painting from the University of South Dakota in 2008. She has worked as a professional artist exhibiting her work in the region. In the summer of 2011 Lacey completed the teaching certification program at South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. She taught elementary art for several years in the Mitchell School District before taking a step back from teaching to pursue a full time career as a painter. In Summer of 2022 Lacey, husband Evan and two boys, Johnny and Oscar, moved to Sartell, MN. Lacey continues to paint professionally and exhibit her work across the Midwest.
