Art is always a reaction to the world – whether to a beautiful scene, an interaction or even an idea – art is a natural human response to phenomena which touch or move the soul. But when the human soul is under attack and brutalised by wars, genocide and by bearing witness to atrocities or persecution and suffering – this reaction becomes a convulsion, a blood-curdling scream which bares the tortured burning soul of humanity. This site is a growing collection of this type of art, curated by Edward Torsney with Commentary and analysis we hope you find thought provoking and ultimately actionable.
Guernica: Picasso’s Masterpiece of Resistance In 1937, amidst the turmoil of the Spanish Civil War, Pablo Picasso created what would become one of the most powerful anti-war statements in the history of art: “Guernica.” This mural-sized painting, named after the Basque town bombed by German and Italian forces, stands as a testament to the horrors…
The Medu Ensemble, formed by South African exiles in 1979, used art as a form of resistance against apartheid. Displaying resilience through art, music, theatre, and literature, they highlighted themes of oppression and solidarity. They mobilized communities and raised international awareness, significantly contributing to the anti-apartheid movement. Their legacy teaches that art fosters empathy and collective resistance.