Art World Divided Over J20 Protest Strike on Trump Inauguration Day
On January 20, 2017, the J20 collective launched "An Act of Noncompliance on Inauguration Day," which called for a halt to work, school, and business to protest the incoming Trump administration. A variety of artists and organizations participated in this strike, with the Whitney Museum organizing an event titled "Occupy Museums." However, some critics voiced worries that focusing on art might undermine the seriousness of the protest and detract from the Women's March on DC scheduled for January 21. Meanwhile, Galerie St. Etienne in New York stayed open, showcasing "American Artists and the Communist Party." Artists Andrea Champlin and James Esber created signs for the Women's March, while the J20 group labeled Trumpism as a dangerous blend of white supremacy, misogyny, xenophobia, militarism, and oligarchic control.
Key facts
- J20 group called for "An Act of Noncompliance on Inauguration Day" on January 20, 2017
- Many artists and organizations supported the strike with "No work, no school, no business"
- Whitney Museum hosted an "Occupy Museums" event and waived entrance fees
- Galerie St. Etienne remained open, featuring "American Artists and the Communist Party" exhibition near Trump Tower
- Women's March on DC scheduled for January 21, 2017 with artists Andrea Champlin and James Esber creating placards
- President-elect Trump indicated intentions to abolish the NEA and eviscerate public broadcasting
- J20 characterized Trumpism as "a toxic mix of white supremacy, misogyny, xenophobia, militarism, and oligarchic rule"
- Critics argued art strike might imply art is frivolous or distract from larger protests
Entities
Artists
- Andrea Champlin
- James Esber
- Jon Stewart
Institutions
- J20 group
- Whitney Museum
- Occupy Museums
- Galerie St. Etienne
- Comedy Central
- The Daily Show
- artcritical
- Hyperallergic magazine
- NEA
- Women's March on DC
Locations
- New York
- United States
- National Mall
- Washington DC
- Trump Tower