The Political Power of Imagery

Politics and the visual arts make for uncomfortable bedfellows. Through patronage, the State seeks to influence the arts. In many ways, patronage and censorship can be considered to be two sides of the same coin. Meanwhile, individual and independent artists and creatives are subtle critics of power.

Why is art so compelling? Creative output, unlike political tracts, provides a more accessible narrative which is useful to both rulers and the ruled.

Rulers make use of official portraits laden with symbolism, while caricaturists use metaphor and humour to challenge the official narrative. Sculpture is a medium through which national heroes and significant events are commemorated, yet sculpture itself can also celebrate popular heroes or be subversive in nature.

Similarly, film and photography challenge the political landscape. In the context of cross-cultural exchanges, cinema and photography have been used by governments as part of a "dialogue of civilisations." However, photography and film have also challenged deeply held attitudes such as racism, migration and war.

I participated in three programmes, from the series “Il-Politika fl-Arti Viziva,” where I explore some of these themes and delve into the political power of imagery and the official use of symbols by the state. Dr Mario Thomas Vassallo conducted the interviews.

The podcasts of these three programmes may be downloaded here:

Programme 1 – An introduction to politics and visual arts [WMA]

Programme 2 – The power of imagery [WMA] Programme 3 – Symbols of statehood [WMA] Each podcast is in Maltese. Other podcasts from this series are available by clicking here. The series is broadcast on Campus FM 103.7 on Monday at 10.00am, Wednesday at 8.00pm and Saturday at noon.