Art & Politics: Jota Castro

Jota Castro is a Peruvian artist, who lives in Brussels, Belgium, and he has also been a curator. He used to be a diplomat at the United Nations and European Union, and left the career behind in the late 90s to devote in the field of art. His works propagate political activism, and his practice includes photography, sculpture, video and installations.

BBB, Oil Shame (2004).

Mortgage, Dollar Bills, Rope (2009).

I find his works raw, in the sense that it is direct to the point with no articulation or pretention. It must have taken a lot of guts, or he must have been a really frustrated diplomat to change the career altogether, and produce artworks which are politically incorrect. I think art gave him a platform and freedom to voice his opinions, and at the same time make people aware or remind of the politics around the world.

Bibliography:

http://www.jotacastro.eu/

http://dawire.com/2010/04/09/jota-castro/

http://new-art.blogspot.com/2005/05/of-politics-and-art.html