Southbank Centre Chair Misan Harriman Calls for Artists to Embrace Political Role
Misan Harriman, the chair of London's Southbank Centre and an Oscar-nominated photographer, has issued a powerful appeal to artists and creatives, urging them to take a political stand through their work. In a recent interview, Harriman emphasised that artists must "reflect the times" we live in, drawing a clear distinction between being an artist and an entertainer.
Art as a Tool for Social Change
Harriman, renowned for his civil rights protest photography and as the first Black man to shoot a British Vogue cover, is actively participating in the Choose Love's Together For Palestine auction. This event features works from notable figures like Grayson Perry, Es Devlin, Charlie Mackesy, and leading Palestinian artists. The auction, running from 27 March to 9 April, includes an exhibition at London's HOPE93 Gallery, with all proceeds directed to humanitarian organisations providing frontline relief in Palestine amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.
For this auction, Harriman contributed his 2024 photograph, "Brothers in Protest," which depicts a Muslim man and a Jewish man standing together on the London embankment, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. He describes this image as "one of the most important" he has ever taken, highlighting its role in bridging communities and countering divisive narratives.
Rejecting Entertainment in Favour of Meaningful Art
In his critique, Harriman stated, "I have no interest in entertaining." He argued that art at its best should nourish the soul, whether through film, music, painting, photography, or dance. He pointed to social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) as algorithmically designed to foster anger, contrasting this with the "original human algorithm" of engaging with art in cultural spaces like galleries or museums.
Harriman referenced Nina Simone's famous quote that an artist's duty is to reflect their times, adding that individuals without artistic platforms can still make a difference. "Not all of us have world leaders on speed dial," he noted, "but we do have the ability to do what we can with the tools we have access to." This could range from using a camera or paintbrush to having constructive conversations or leaving toxic online groups.
Countering Calls for Apolitical Art
Harriman strongly disagreed with recent comments by Berlin Film Festival jury president Wim Wenders, who suggested filmmakers should "stay out of politics." Harriman called this statement "oxymoronic," citing examples like The Sound of Music, which he said introduced him to fascism as a child through its narrative of fleeing Nazi annexation.
He emphasised that even seemingly light-hearted works can carry political weight, and artists should be prepared to speak out during politically charged times. "Do not choose to be recognised for having any kind of art that is political if you're not willing to speak about it," he asserted.
A Broader Call to Action
Beyond the auction, Harriman's message extends to all individuals, encouraging them to use their unique tools to build bridges and foster understanding in an uncertain world. His stance underscores a growing movement within the arts community to leverage creative expression for social and political impact, prioritising substance over mere entertainment.
