equality? lets learn some tactics for getting heard from artists

josephine baker, A World renowned performer, World War II spy, and activist

freda josephine mcdonald was born on june 3rd 1906 in st louis, missouri and became one of the wealthiest black women in the world, having amassed a net worth of over $1 million at the time of her death in 1975.

she was A World renowned performer, World War II spy, and activist. these are few of the titles used to describe Josephine Baker who she became known as. she was One of the most successful African American performers in French history and Baker's career illustrates the ways entertainers in the arts can use their platforms to change the world.

“The secret to the fountain of youth is to think youthful thoughts.” josephine baker.

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Fountain ©joanna black 2024.

from series star quality influenced by marcel duchamp

read frther down to see how this image is a link with dadaists.

So why is it that in this day and age we don’t treat people equally? Inequality is a complex and deeply rooted issue in our society. Despite the principles of equality and justice that many societies espouse, the reality is that people are often treated unequally due to a variety of factors, including race, gender, socioeconomic status, and personal biases.

One of the primary reasons for this lack of equal treatment is the prevalence of systemic discrimination. Certain groups have historically been marginalised and denied access to opportunities, resources, and rights that others have taken for granted. This systemic bias is often perpetuated through institutional policies, cultural norms, and unconscious prejudices.

Additionally, individual biases and stereotypes can also contribute to unequal treatment. People often make snap judgments and assumptions about others based on their appearance, background, or perceived characteristics. These biases can lead to unfair treatment, discrimination, and a lack of empathy and understanding.

Furthermore, the unequal distribution of power and wealth in society can also play a significant role in perpetuating inequality. Those with greater access to resources, influence, and decision-making power often use that advantage to maintain their position, often at the expense of those who are less fortunate.

Perhaps one of the reasons Josephine Baker was such an incredible success is because she was not intimidated by anyone. As she said “Everyone is made with two arms, two legs, a stomach and a head. Just think about that.”

Addressing the issue of inequality requires a multifaceted approach that involves addressing systemic barriers, challenging individual biases, and promoting greater understanding and empathy among all members of society. It is a complex and ongoing process, but one that is essential for creating a more just and equitable world.

“I did take the blows [of life], but I took them with my chin up, in dignity, because I so profoundly love and respect humanity.” Josephine Baker.

will todays’ corporate, governments and institutional leaders of influence learn from women like Josephine baker? will they gain ideas by looking at movements like The Guerrilla Girls' Crusade for Equality in Art or the dadaists who came way before them?

if you keep women down they get resentful. 

firstly, the dadaists (Marcel duchamp was a prominent member of this art movement). The Dada art movement sought to challenge social norms, shock audiences, and create a new art form in response to the horrors of World War. Infamously called the “anti-art” art movement, Dadaism developed out of disgust and resentment from the bloodshed and horror of World War I, which began in 1914 and ended in 1918. Dadaism's main purpose was to challenge the social norms of society, and purposefully make art that would shock, confuse, or outrage people. Dada artists felt the war called into question every aspect of a society capable of starting and then prolonging it – including its art. Their aim was to destroy traditional values in art and to create a new art to replace the old.

Dadaism ultimately was a movement with explicitly political overtones – a reaction to the senseless slaughter of the trenches of WWI. It essentially declared war against war, countering the absurdity of the establishment's descent into chaos with its own kind of nonsense.

The Guerrilla Girls, a collective of anonymous feminist activist artists, have been at the forefront of the fight for equality in the art world for over three decades. Donning gorilla masks to conceal their identities, these trailblazers have relentlessly exposed the systemic biases and discrimination that have long plagued the art establishment.

Guerrilla Girls are everywhere

Through their provocative posters, public interventions, and unapologetic activism, the Guerrilla Girls shone a spotlight on the glaring underrepresentation of women and artists of colour in major museums, galleries, and art institutions. Their iconic slogan, "Do women have to be naked to get into the Met Museum?", has become a rallying cry for those demanding greater diversity and inclusivity in the art world.

By leveraging their anonymity, the Guerrilla Girls have been able to fearlessly challenge the status quo, confronting the art world's power structures and calling out the blatant sexism and racism that have perpetuated the dominance of white male artists. Their research-driven campaigns have revealed the stark realities of gender and racial disparities in exhibition opportunities, acquisitions, and leadership positions within the art industry.

The Guerrilla Girls' unwavering commitment to social justice has inspired a new generation of artists and activists to join the fight for equality. Their legacy continues to reverberate, pushing the art world to confront its biases and work towards a more equitable and representative future.

"It's our honest hope that all this attention to our work and the issues we raise adds up to changes for women artists and artists of color. We could be anyone; we are everywhere. Wearing those clothes with a gorilla mask confounds the stereotype of female sexiness." the Guerrilla Girls.

any questions, please get in touch. signing off, joanna black :)

the presentation of something visual can influence executives and teams to consider threats as well as fostering innovation and growth

You can learn a lot from art by understanding the thinking that goes into the framing of the artists ideas and the eventual making and presentation of their bodies of work.

why is she smiling... keep reading

how is this relevant in a critical elements of a corporate setting? well in influencing communication, decision-making, and overall perception that is how. The way information is presented can significantly affect how it is received and interpreted by customers, stakeholders, employees, and clients in other words both b2c, b2b and even c2b in job hunting. additionally c2c as your customers talk online and in person.

1. Influence Perception: The framing of a narrative shapes how people perceive issues, products, and services. By choosing specific images, words or contexts, corporate communicators can highlight benefits and drawbacks, guiding stakeholders to a desired understanding or reaction. This is exactly what artists do when they are making an artwork. It might sound alien to think an artist thinks the same way as a business/government/charity (i’m sure the same is true conversely). truth is they are not dissimilar at all if you really think about it.

2. Enhance Clarity: A well-framed suggestion allows a viewer/listener to clarify complex ideas. In corporate communications, where decisions are can be based on subjective information, a clear vision/voice ensures that key points are emphasised, making it easier for audiences to grasp and retain essential details.

3. Encourage Engagement: Effective framing of an idea can capture the attention and interest of stakeholders. By presenting information in a visually relatable and compelling manner, corporations can foster greater engagement, encouraging participation from employees and dialogue with existing as well as potential customers.

4. Shape Decision-Making: In a corporate environment, the vocalising of facts plays a crucial role in decision-making processes. the presentation of visual intelligence can influence executives and teams to consider threats as well as fostering innovation and growth.

5. Build Trust and Credibility: Consistent and transparent messaging contribute to building trust within a corporate culture. When stakeholders perceive information is presented honestly and thoughtfully, it enhances the organisation’s credibility and promotes loyalty among employees and clients. Artists instinctively consider this when they are producing serious bodies of work. in thinking about the idea they produce something that says what they want it to say with honesty whilst allowing a viewer to also layer their own interpretation on it making it feel personal to someone else too. this then speaks to the end person but from the “artist’s mouth” engaging relatability and credibility which in turn may promote loyalty from collectors, patrons, fans…..

6. demonstrate Cultural Sensitivity: global corporations, must consider cultural differences Tailoring messages to resonate with diverse audiences is essential to avoid misunderstandings and to build rapport across different markets. This is as true with the arts as it is for governments and corporations. Often however it is the charities and artists who will vocalise what governments and corporations fear to say even when they know something is the right thing to call out or action to take. That said, the artist too can fear calling out truths as they too may be cut off from benefactors or just not be published/distributed because of censorship and fear of loss of earnings….

In summary, the arts are really important and individuals as well as corporations, governments and charities can learn a lot from artists and this sector by really understanding the considerations that are made when making artworks and curating shows. In doing so you too can effectively create the shaping of perceptions to enhance communication, drive engagement, influence decision-making, build trust, and take into account cultural sensitivity etc., and in turn attract partners, business, employment opportunities, respect, work/live in an inspiring environment, etc.,

By prioritising thoughtful investigation of the arts, individuals as well as corporations can navigate challenges more successfully and create a harmonious home and workplace culture as well as considerations for what sort of legacy or imprint on society/work/family; (put anything you think is appropriate here) will follow as a result of actions taken.

What do you think?

So back to the image at the beginning of this post. the Mona Lisa painting. "Mona" in the name "Mona Lisa" is an Italian abbreviation for "ma donna," which means "my lady" or "ma'am". It's a polite form of address.  The painting's full title is Mona Lisa, but it's also known by the Italian name La Gioconda and the French name La Joconde. La Gioconda and La Joconde come from the Italian word for "jocund," which means "happy" or "jovial". It's also a pun on the last name of Lisa's husband, Francesco del Giocondo. 

The painting is a portrait of Lisa Gherardini, the wife of Francesco del Giocondo. It's thought to have been commissioned to celebrate the birth of their second son.

why did he paint with her smile that way? The story goes that da Vinci wanted her to smile wider, but she refused. She did not want the joy she felt for her new baby to erase the pain she felt from losing [one prior]. There in her half smile is her half joy. I can only imagine how she felt if she was doing so whilst still mourning the loss of a child. I am sure many people today can relate to this feeling, if not in relating to the loss of a child then maybe thinking to a time when being asked to smile whilst posing for a photograph that they don’t really want to participate in for whatever reason!

What did leonardo da vinci really want to say in this painting? One theory is that the model for the portrait was Leonardo's longtime apprentice and suspected lover, Gian Giacomo Caprotti, also known by the nickname Salai. The other theory is that the Mona Lisa is a self-portrait of Leonardo as a woman. Neither of these theories is well received by most art historians. If however any of the theories are true do you relate to this and can you see it’s effects and relevance on society today?

alternatively, Did Leonardo even think his painting would outlive him and his sitter when he first painted it? Do you consider such questions in life let alone when you are working?

any thoughts? please get in touch. signing out Joanna Black

investing in something that brings you joy

a poster might initially not cost much to buy, but in time they can become very valuable pieces. A bright yellow poster from the Shea Stadium concert is the most valuable Beatles poster ever sold, having sold for $275,000 at Heritage Auctions in April 2022; DAVID BOWIE - A RARE CONCERT POSTER FOR THE FRIARS, AYLESBURY. Sold for £2,600 and The highest price paid for an original Sex Pistols poster was £32,000 at auction”.

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Finished framed poster inclusive of multiple friendship bracelets.

taylor swift, an icon to many people and lothed by others. She’s clearly knows her mind and is absolutely not afraid of standing up for what she believes is right, especially for women.

a client of ours went to see her not only in Edinburgh bt also in stockholm. The reason she likes her so much is because of what I have said above and for the independence of spirit, joy, friendship and support that she trys to instil in her fans and for them in turn to convey to one another and the world.

The reason posters can garner big prices is generally because of scarcity. people, even now, don’t think posters can go up in value that they buy. People back then didn’t think cheap ephemeral posters would have any value so stuck them to their walls, unprotected or in cheap frames with ordinary glass. They were enjoyed for a while when their owners were young, living at home or perhaps in student accommodation, bedsits and just pinned them to their bedroom wall only to be binned when they were either wrecked, or very washed out by the uv light hitting them.

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Now of course, I am not for one minute suggesting that all posters will go up in value. that said look at early 20th centry travel posters, art gallery show posters, so what I write doesn’t just refer to concert posters which have. given what I have written, it should be noted that Taylor swift is bigger than the spice girls and unlike them, she doesn’t appear to be someone who is going to stop making albums anytime soon. if she remains as popular as she is today let alone starts to appeal to new fans, perhaps her posters will go up in value substantially.

the bracelets are all names of her albums making it less personalised and therefore more universally appealing to potential fans.

With this in mind she wanted to turn the poster into a unique artwork that wouldn’t fade or go nasty and she wanted it to look interesting and not “just a bog standard framed poster”.

our client wanted to preserve this poster, in part because it might increase in value but also because she wanted to display it in a way that made it special. This poster purchase was an inexpensive investment which might pay big in years to come.

after giving this request a lot of thought and how we could also incorporate friendship bracelets (something Taylor swift is synonymous with), the edinburgh leg of the eras tour poster was framed. who knows, Maybe she will get a signature one day too from Taylor, and then it might be worth even more money, potentially.

nonetheless, even if the poster doesn’t accrue substantial increases in value in the future, the positive memory enshrined as an artwork will last a lifetime and transport her back to the event as if it happened only yesterday.

I think we created a really beautifully framed ephemeral art piece, even if I do say so :). understanding investing, preserving, designing, and art (ephemeral, antique, contemporary…) when advising clients is important. I believe we really do come up with interesting concepts for enhancing items needing framed. any questions, please get in touch. signing off, joanna black :)