Art As A Weapon 1/7

The Brilliant Burma Art Studio has become the first school to teach street art as a form of non-violent protest. Burma—recently renamed Myanmar—is one of the world’s poorest countries and a highly controlled nation. Freedom of speech, including art and media, are buried under massive constrictions that suffocate a population desperate for a voice.

Shepard Fairey, originator of OBEY and designer of Obama’s infamous “Hope” poster, makes a brief first appearance in this episode to discuss the purpose of art in resistance to oppression.

“…Everything thats going on in the world has an agenda. Some people use the weapons of oppression, censorship and control to achieve what they want to achieve. But art as a weapon, in this battle for good to or bad to prevail, is a tool…the more of it that’s out there, the more of a weapon for good it is.” Says Fairey.

In 2009, Fairey produced a stylized portrait of Burma’s pro-democracy icon and opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, which has since become a prominent symbol of the nation’s struggle for democracy. Suu Kyi’s face can be found stencilled to empty walls on building sides in red and black paint across the country and even the world.

Part 1: Art As A Weapon
   • Art As A Weapon 1/7  

Part 2: Art As A Weapon
   • Art As A Weapon 2/7  

Part 3: Art As A Weapon
   • Art As A Weapon 3/7  

Part 4: Art As A Weapon
   • Art As A Weapon 4/7  

Part 5: Art As A Weapon
   • Art As A Weapon 5/7  

Part 6: Art As A Weapon
   • Art As A Weapon 6/7  

Part 7: Art As A Weapon
   • Art As A Weapon 7/7