Art and Political Extremism - Combating Polarization Through Empathy

Explore the intersection of art and political extremism in this thought-provoking TEDx talk by social-practice artist Suzanne Firstenberg. Discover how art can be used as a powerful medium to combat polarization and understand the appeal of extremist ideologies in America. Learn about Firstenberg's unique approach to creating empathy-driven artworks that address pressing social issues such as homelessness, gun safety, politics, and drug addiction. Gain insights into her creative process, which involves extensive research, interviews, and innovative use of materials to deliver impactful messages. Hear about her notable projects, including the award-winning ice sculpture at the Harbin International Ice Sculpting Competition and the Empty Fix series on destigmatizing drug addiction. Examine the impact of her latest work, "In America: Remember," a large-scale installation honoring COVID-19 victims. Note that this talk represents the speaker's personal views and may contain claims lacking scientific support.

Art and Political Extremism | Suzanne Firstenberg | TEDxFoggyBottom