What can art say and do about bigotry, war, sexism and global warming? That was one of the subjects we discussed when I was so kindly invited to help moderate a talk at Wheaton College’s exhibit “Society in Upheaval” featuring Boston-area artists Raúl Gonzalez, Edward Monovich and Karen Moss. Using imagery inspired by comics, coloring books, children’s toy packaging and advertising, the artists channel feelings about the sorry state of our society, with an eye toward raising consciousness and creating social change.

“Society in Upheaval” at Wheaton College’s Beard and Weil Galleries in Norton, Massachusetts, from Oct. 30 to Dec. 16, 2017.

Curator Elizabeth Keithline speaks about a painting by Edward Monovich (right) in "Society in Upheaval" at Wheaton College. (Greg Cook)
Curator Elizabeth Keithline speaks about a painting by Edward Monovich (right) in “Society in Upheaval” at Wheaton College. (Greg Cook)
Edward Monovich's "Graffiti Collaborations: Spellbound." (Courtesy)
Edward Monovich’s “Graffiti Collaborations: Spellbound.” (Courtesy)
Raul Gonzalez's "La Malinche Sin Querer." (Courtesy)
Raul Gonzalez’s “La Malinche Sin Querer.” (Courtesy)
Raul Gonzalez's drawings from "Los Nuevos Guerreros." (Greg Cook)
Raul Gonzalez’s drawings from “Los Nuevos Guerreros.” (Greg Cook)
Karen Moss speaks about her site-specific installation for "Society In Upheaval." (Greg Cook)
Karen Moss speaks about her site-specific installation for “Society In Upheaval.” (Greg Cook)
Edward Monovich's "Graffiti Collaborations: Global Hawk." (Courtesy)
Edward Monovich’s “Graffiti Collaborations: Global Hawk.” (Courtesy)
Karen Moss speaks about her site-specific installation for "Society In Upheaval." (Greg Cook)
Karen Moss speaks about her site-specific installation for “Society In Upheaval.” (Greg Cook)
Categories: Art