ThirstyFish

This photograph was taken at the Occupy May Day event.

The most talented artists, writers, musicians and poets are free-spirited individuals. Throughout history, artists have been the face of political change, often attracting controversy. Most recently, three members of the Russian feminist punk-rock band, Pussy Riot were sentenced to two years in prison for staging an illegal performance at Moscow's Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. The act was a protest against the re-election of Vladimir Putin.

You might also remember the Dixie Chicks, who were shunned in 2003 for criticizing President George W. Bush and the Iraq War. It turned out that they were right about both the Iraq War and President Bush.

It's not surprising that many Occupy Wall Street protestors are artists. Artists have an ability to capture the ills of their society and express complicated personal, social and political perspectives in a way that is comprehensible to the masses. That is the reason why artists have been targeted by governments throughout history - even by states with liberal reputations. The powers that be have always been fearful of nonconformist artists. After all, can a conformist artist be considered an artist at all?

• There is only one Art, whose sole criterion is the power, the authenticity, the revelatory insight, the courage and suggestiveness with which it seeks its truth.
• -- Vaclav Havel

More Occupy photos.

Song of the Day: Punk Prayer - Pussy Riot (2012)