Occupy Art

The point of this post is not to debate the merits of the still-running Occupy Wall St. (and other places) protests, but rather to note some connections spurred by communication around the topic. Politics aside, I noticed something last week that I found kind of amazing.

 

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As I commented at the original story by Marketplace, I heard this example of shared communication on the radio (streaming, via my phone), read it online, linked to it on Facebook and Twitter, and am now blogging about it.

I think it's extraordinary — that this one guy has a thought, it gets adopted by someone in this protest, it's a highly relevant thought, and now it's broadcast and rebroadcast via many different channels. Will anything come of it? Who knows; my point is that we are part of communication magic, and it's worth reflecting upon.

True, there are maddening issues spurring on the protests, and many of them are complex... adding to the maddening. And along those lines, I think this sign captures the thought that originally inspired its content, while also making a statement on the complexity and associated frustration around the issues — while also illustrating the evolution of mass media communication, given the new breadth an individual's thoughts can achieve through technology... right to this very moment on this blog you're reading now.

There's something artful in the expression.

It makes me wonder if we're indeed in a revolution, at least in terms of communication, what with having the ability to reach and influence in so many ubiquitous, yet simple ways. We walk around with computers in our pockets and can connect with someone on the other side of the globe with ease. Or, maybe I'm just noticing the traceable pathways of the communication. Still, it's interesting to observe and document. I'm no protester, but I'm intrigued. As Marketplace host Kai Ryssdal noted, it's all very... "woah." And so, I was inspired to do some documenting via Instagram...

I photographed this sign made by a protestor in my city over the weekend:

Turns out I was subliminally giving props to Rage Against the Machine.
Which, oddly, is kinda appropriate:

And in fact, I support long-haired freaky people,
and I actually thought I was paying tribute to Tesla...

So hey, there's some art — or at least the convergence of national and local events, mass media, music, and visual design. I think that's remarkable, and I hope something can come of it, even if only reflection or informed entertainment.

Update, 10/26: not so sure I meant this kind of entertainment, from the people who brought you Puck and Snooki. Oh, well. For the story on how all this started in the first place, see the original author's follow-up.

Have you had any transcendental communication moments? Do you think we're in a revolution? Do you remember Tesla? Tell us in the comments...