“Language is very powerful,” Student Artivism During Turbulent Times

“Language is very powerful,” commented a student from San Diego City College.

It is evident that this presidential administration has cultivated an environment of hostility, characterized by pervasive fear, numerous concerns about legal actions, and substantial issues pertaining to free speech rights on college campuses and during street protests. While many individuals actively resist, others remain silent and do not defend free speech nor oppose the enforcement of the Trump administration’s directives, which are employed to retaliate against and silence students, faculty, and staff across various community colleges, universities, and organizations.

On this occasion, we are highlighting how certain community colleges and universities continue to support and organize students, particularly those pursuing art studies. San Diego City College is an excellent example of upholding students’ rights to express their opinions, including their First Amendment rights, and to share their sentiments about the actions of the Trump administration. These actions, marked by policies and injustices from different angles, impact the diverse community across this country.

Student Valentina Gonzalez describes this project as the culmination of art activism used as a protest. It started as a large banner hung outside a college building by a student, subtly conveying a message between the lines, from ‘the river to the sea.’ Following anonymous complaints from the community, the college administration removed the banner, sparking greater interest among students in the issue. 

A second student, Jasmin Adoll, emphasizes the importance of discussing human rights and addressing issues of justice and injustice within the political and governmental domains. Her project primarily focuses on the fundamental right to freedom of speech and self-expression, which she considers crucial, especially for those who are silenced. She believes that everyone should have the ability to express themselves freely through their words. 

With the support and guidance of a faculty dedicated to student education and organization, the students successfully collaborated to produce this art poster exhibition. The San Diego  College Gallery utilizes its social media platforms to invite all students and community members to submit protest signs through a call for submissions. This call was a complete success, as the exhibition titled RESIDENCE IN MOTION | Art. Activism. And Belonging will be on display from September 4 to October 23, 2025.

In this exhibition, viewers will encounter posters, artwork, videos, sculptures, timelines from past and present protests, zines, and buttons. The most important aspect of this exhibition is to observe various forms of protest coming together, and most importantly, to educate ourselves.

This exhibition also presents four notable political posters collected by Mike Davis (1946-2022), an American author, political activist, and historian who was based in Southern California. Mike Davis devoted his life to advocating for labor rights, housing stability, and environmental justice. He is primarily renowned for his sharp analyses of power dynamics and social hierarchies articulated in his influential publication, ‘City of Quartz.’ The works of Mike Davis strongly resonate with the themes of this exhibition and are highly relevant to current events. 

The administration of City College in San Diego endeavors to silence students and prohibits them from displaying banners that raise awareness of the Palestinian genocide. However, faculty and staff who are committed to their students’ well-being seek tools to provide platforms within the arts, enabling students and the community to express themselves. This exhibition exemplifies the numerous ways in which art, students, and education can serve to unify the community and foster support for genuine democracy among students.

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