Margin Art and Media Art in Politics Series Part 1
Introduction to the Art in Politics Series Art in Politics is a thought‑provoking museum series that explores the powerful role art plays in shaping political discourse and advancing social justice movements around the world. From visual installations to performance pieces, this series looks at how artists have engaged with political realities — whether to critique power, uplift marginalized voices, or mobilise communities toward change. Through artworks, archives, interviews, and multimedia, Art in Politics reveals how creativity becomes a form of activism and testimony in times of conflict, resistance, and transformation. Whether challenging state violence, advocating human rights, or raising global consciousness about contemporary crises, the series illuminates how art intersects with political life and contributes to public debate in tangible ways.
International Legal Context — UN & ICJ and Allegations of Genocide For your series, when discussing legal and political claims about genocide, it’s important to distinguish between formal legal processes and investigatory findings: United Nations Independent Commission of Inquiry (UNHRC) Report (2025) In September 2025, a UN‑established Commission concluded in a report that Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip meet multiple criteria of genocide under the 1948 Genocide Convention, including deliberate infliction of conditions of life intended to destroy part of the group and causing serious harm. 📄 Report Title: Legal analysis of the conduct of Israel in Gaza pursuant to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Independent Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory) — presented at the 60th session of the Human Rights Council. Link (1)
International Court of Justice (ICJ) Proceedings South Africa filed a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) alleging that Israel is violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention in Gaza. In early 2024, the ICJ ordered provisional measures requiring Israel to prevent acts within the scope of the Genocide Convention and protect the rights claimed by Palestinians under international law. 👉 You can link directly to the ICJ’s own documentation and context here: Gaza/Palestine: States have a Duty to Prevent Genocide — ICJ legal brief — discusses the Genocide Convention and how the ICJ frames the allegations and duty to prevent genocide. (Source: icj.org) Note on Legal Status: As of early 2026, the ICJ has not issued a final binding judgment determining genocide — rather, it has dealt with provisional measures and ongoing litigation.
The UN commission’s findings and the ICJ case are major parts of international legal discourse.
1. Art and the Gaza Conflict Theme: How creative expression was used to spotlight the human impact of the conflict in Gaza. Overview: Since the escalation of hostilities following Hamas’s attack on October 7 2023 and subsequent Israeli military offensive, widespread protests and cultural responses emerged internationally. Across the UK, thousands have marched demanding ceasefires and humanitarian relief for Gaza, drawing crowds into major demonstrations and vigils. One enduring presence has been Community Camp for Palestine, established opposite the U.S. Embassy in Nine Elms, London, beginning around September 1 2024. Volunteers maintained a continuous encampment advocating for peace and an end to foreign involvement in the conflict, hosting teach‑ins, performances, and public conversation. Artists & Works: ● Documentary short films featuring speakers and poets from the encampment. ● Public performances outside the embassy combining spoken word and music. ● Video diaries by camp participants reflecting lived experience of activism.
2. Voices of Resilience: Palestinian Cultural Narratives Theme: Art as testimony in the face of oppression and displacement. Overview: This project documents readings, storytelling, and visual art by Palestinian and international artists highlighting experiences of trauma, survival, and cultural continuity amid crisis. One notable moment in the UK involved reinstating an arts event at Manchester’s HOME arts centre after public pressure following its cancellation, where works by Palestinian authors and poets were showcased. Artist & Work: Artist picture: Kivara Ammar
Artist Video Links — Art & Politics Series
Below is a curated list of video links featuring artists , who have used visual art, performance, or documentary storytelling to express political views related to the Israel‑Palestine conflict and broader calls for justice.
Featured Artists & Video References