Canvases of freedom: Cultural resistance through artistic expression in Latin America

Abstract

This article examines the ways in which art has been employed as a form of resistance in the Latin American context. It explores the relationship between art, culture, and politics, discussing the various manners in which beauty has historically served as a mechanism for legitimizing power. It describes cases in Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, and Mexico where art was employed during dictatorships, armed conflicts, and protests against injustices, becoming a vehicle for denunciation, awareness, and social change. The article concludes that Latin American art has political potential by enabling the expression of oppressed groups and promoting collective agency. Thus, it serves as a vehicle for communication, understanding, and the defense of rights that empowers resistance.