The horrific events in Paris in 2015 prompted Artlyst to look back at the many artists in the last fifty years who have realised the power of art as a tool in raising awareness and propagating the concept of world peace. Here are our top ten examples of this very powerful medium. With well-known artists from Picasso to Banksy supporting the cause. It is comforting to know that art is not always just a capitalistic commodity but also a legitimate form of communication informing a cross-generational public that war is unjustified.
ABSOLUTION – SIEGFRIED SASSOON
The anguish of the earth absolves our eyes
Till beauty shines in all that we can see.
War is our scourge; yet war has made us wise,
And, fighting for our freedom, we are free.
Horror of wounds and anger at the foe,
And loss of things desired; all these must pass.
We are the happy legion, for we know
Time’s but a golden wind that shakes the grass.
There was an hour when we were loath to part
From life, we longed to share no less than others.
Now, having claimed this heritage ofthe heart,
What more do we need, my comrades and my brothers?
10. Shepard Fairey, Arab Woman” & “Dove Target Black, 2012
9. Damien Hirst, Spin AKA Peace Campaign, 2012
8. Tracey Emin, Peace Jet For British Airways, 2012
7. Banksy, Armoured Peace Dove, 2007 See More
6. Robert Indiana, Peace Eludes The World, 2003
5. Ben Shahn, McCarthy Peace, 1968
4. Pablo Picasso, La Ronde (Circle Of Friendship), 1961
3. George Braque, Blue Peace Doves, 1963
2. Alexander Calder, Paix, 1972
1. Jean Jullien, Eiffel Tower Peace, 2015
