October 18, 2020 through April 25, 2021
During a decade when protests rocked the United States, many artists used printmaking as a tool for activism. Prints and Protest will explore artists’ diverse responses to causes such as the Civil Rights and antiwar movements. These artists documented injustice, reflected on past tragedies, and called for political change. Some also took to the streets, taking personal action that matched the views expressed in their work.
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- Bruce Carter (American, 1930‑2016), Broken Promise from the series Wounded Knee, 1970, woodcut. Gift of J. I. and Anna Rodale, 1970. (1970.4.3)
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- Corita Kent (American, 1918‑1986), but, there is only one thing that has power, 1967, screen print. Gift of Paul K. Kania, 2019. (2019.9.2)
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- Ad Reinhardt (American, 1913–1967), No War from the portfolio Artist’s and Writer’s Protest Against the War in Vietnam, lithograph. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Dorsky, 1971. (1971.17)
Drawn entirely from the Museum’s collection, Prints and Protest, 1960–1970 highlights the powerful works of art inspired by this formative era in American history.
What Does Activism Mean to You?
After viewing New Century, New Woman and Prints and Protest, 1960-1970, visitors were asked to respond to the prompt:
Take a Brief Tour of Prints and Protest, 1960-1970
Explore the History of Art as a Form of Activism
Prints and Protest, 1960-1970 is supported through the generosity of Karen and Richard Albert.
Additional support is provided by the Harry C. Trexler Trust, the Julius and Katheryn Hommer Foundation, the Century Fund, the Bernard and Audrey Berman Foundation, the Leon C. and June W. Holt Endowment, the Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation, the County of Lehigh, the Keystone Savings Foundation, the Allentown Art Museum Auxiliary, the Society of the Arts (SOTA), the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Friends of the Museum.