The Use of Art In Politics - Creating Election Icons

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We don't generally touch politics here on Empty Lighthouse, but we wanted to bring up an interesting point. Since 2008, we saw that a piece of art could retain a powerful political message to a universal audience.

This piece of art was of course the Obama 'Hope' painting that became the visual staple for his campaign.

Regardless of how it all paned out, this iconography gets you thinking. Isn't a well conceived piece of art far more powerful than any political yard sign?

Case Study: Mega Whitman spent $150M on her own campaign and in Connecticut in 2010, Linda McMahon spent $50M of her own money on this campaign. Both lost, but those are Oprah numbers! With that kind of money why not go out and commission a few artists? Something that is lasting and mind penetrating art? Then you will have a piece of iconography that will stay with you even after the election. On a basic level, even if it is one word and a simple image, the artwork becomes far more powerful than any commercial or print ad.

Besides which, supporters can use that imagery as their key piece for campaigning. Now I know what you're thinking...

let's not denigrate art down another notch. But all art has a purpose and in this case, it's purpose is better than that of a political sign made in Microsoft Paint.

Obama in 2008 should have been a wake up call to politicians that artists can be their most powerful ally.

They can create something with staying power that can be incredibly unique amongst all the public support signs.

Is it only necessary for the countries most important position? The real question is, how is this not a priority in Senate/Governor races?

Hell, we even saw "Team Coco" art explode and become iconography shortly after the Late Night debacle. Don't sit around hoping an artist will make art supporting you, support the artists!