Giant Vast Space Penis Analysis

The main way rebellion is used is for artists to protest an issue. Frequently artists protest social issues that they think are neglected in society. In Giant Galactic Space Penis [figure 1], this is evident that they are protesting political issue of corrupt regimes performed by Russian authorities and this is also seen in Study of Perspective – Tiananmen [figure 2] where Ai Weiwei is really concerned about political system and freedom of speech suppressed by Chinese government. In a defiant manner, figure 2 depicts Weiwei flipping the middle (rude) finger against the portrait of Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square. This offensive gesture, captured using a snapshot aesthetic, confronts its view with a general and concise statement of political

opposition. It is his perspective of activism, a rebellious protest towards China’s supreme authority. Likewise in figure 1, a concise shape of giant phallus is employed as a device to criticise Russian Federation on their fraudulent acts like Viona proclaimed in their interview “we have painted a giant phallus to show what Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) and interior ministry are doing in terms of security for the forum”(Moscow Times,2013) . Although it is composed with excessively simple and casual lines and shape, the impact of its imagery is critical.

The giant Phallus on its own is already a highly sensitive and compromising subject which violate the social norms. This lies on their intentions to give humiliation to FSB and increase the public awareness of their unchecked powers. Besides, artist’s application of space consolidates their protest to one step further. Viona’s decision to paint a giant phallus on the St. Petersburg Litnyny Bridge, a drawbridge in Russia, serves as adjuvant element for rebellious protest. The setting produces a perfect view of the erect penis when the bridge is raised, as it is facing FSB headquarter office located right across the street from the bridge. The location supports their intention to officially proclaim a direct message of “Fuck You!” to the FSB in front of the public viewers. Moreover, the hostility of Viona towards Russian federation is well portrayed through the destruction of public property, ruining the historical landmark of Russia. In figure 2, Weiwei utilizes the setting to criticise the cruelty of Chinese federation with the Tiananmen Square protest that happened in 1989, which killed more than 2000 civilians who were seeking for freedom of speech and the restoration of worker’s control over

industry. He refers Tiananmen Square to the Chinese Government to voice political dissidence and claim questions to the authority, which is indicated by depiction of his middle finger facing directly towards the portrait of Mao. Hence, artists utilizes rebellion to be vocal about their social concerns and political rights towards the federation.
The second way rebellion is used in contemporary art is to highlight the social issues.

Artists use their artistic talent to provide social commentary that they believe that needs to be acknowledged by the public viewers. In confronting manner, Ai Weiwei destroys an expensive ancient Pot and metamorphoses it by applying the logo of Coca Cola as shown in Neolithic Culture Pot with Coca-Cola Logo [figure 3]. Through his work Weiwei highlights issues pertinent to contemporary China, suggesting the unpleasant collision of ancient culture with global capital. This indicates his concerns on the disappearance of “historic material culture due to rapid modernization and the effects of global economy on traditional modes of production” (Artlyst, 2011) . It emphasises the prospering industry in China of mass producing cheap imitations of Western goods. His mocking the reality of excessive consumption enacted by Chinese market industry and the brand globalisation, such as Coca cola by utilizing their logo. Weiwei views it as an art that is democratic, gathering connoisseurs as well as the eyes of general public. Similarly, Kissing Coopers [figure 4] by Banksy touches on the sensitive issue of homosexuality and gay rights by depicting two male English Policemen engaging in a passionate kiss. The rights of homosexuality has always been a popular issue around the world, especially in UK and America. Being subversive of social norms, this work criticises social rejection on gay couple

and satire their oppression on human rights to love. His presenting an attack on homophobia by utilizing a subject of homosexuality in such an open space. Also, he destructs the general reputation of policemen of being macho of great social stature and authority, and challenges the ideas about masculinity. By doing so, he portrays his rebellious attitude to the condition of gay rights and society, conveying a message that everyone has rights to love and unify without the social barriers. As witnessed in figure 4, Banksy draws attention to the concerns of society and leaves social commentary of what he believes to be right while employing a dark humour. Contemporary arts has always been means to document the social issues that artist wants to convey in rebellious manner.