Radical Acts

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Faith Ringgold. Introduction: Radical Acts. 1967

Oil on canvas, two panels, 72 × 144" (182.9 × 365.8 cm). Acquired through the generosity of The Modern Women's Fund, Ronnie F. Heyman, Eva and Glenn Dubin, Lonti Ebers, Michael S. Ovitz, Daniel and Brett Sundheim, and Gary and Karen Winnick

Kerry Downey: Hi, I’m Kerry Downey. I’m an interdisciplinary artist based here in New York City. I’ll be your host for Radical Acts.

“Radical” can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people.

Amanda Williams: It was really that idea of how much you’re willing to risk.

Faith Ringgold: I want you to be upset.

Ava Messina: Damn, like, she's badass.”

Shellyne Rodriquez: You know, the fight doesn’t end, it just changes stripes

Art has the power to agitate, to create a moment of reflection and understanding, to make us re-evaluate how we see the world. And it calls attention to the work we still have to do, personally and collectively. Today we’ll hear from many artists who speak to uncomfortable truths, grapple with injustices, challenge norms, call out oppression, and demand change.

This playlist shows the works in the order you’ll encounter them. But you can find your own flow and rhythm. There’s no right or wrong path. Listen and wander. Art’s a conversation. And this Museum is a great place to have it.