Following a recent small paint out organised in my adopted town to record an important urban view about to disappear behind a new glass and steel library, I came across this article from
Australia, concerning a project there to have several artists record the dramatic environmental decline of the Murray-Darling Basin.
Whether as reportage recording events and changes for posterity, whether making a simple gesture of disapproval or support, or by actively creating a focal point for publicity and community action, plein air painting can be more than a sociable outing in the fresh air of à picturesque setting. Not to say that there is anything wrong with that, or that aesthetic picture-making problems are not sufficient agenda for anyone. But there is no denying the power of a group of artists painting to make passers by stop and look to see what's going on.
So, I wonder what other instances members may have found of the capacity of a painitng group to focus the media spotlight on some issue?
With placard in one hand and brush in the other....