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Art makes and is made by politics. Art is a frequent go-to for activists, advocates and revolutionaries hoping to catalyze an otherwise apathetic public into action.  Art is a critical ingredient for symbolizing and preserving political status. Art is perceived as a valuable investment for building and cementing state power. And of course, art is the subject of political contestation. Throughout time and across continents art is featured as one of the most prominent vehicles for expressing, organizing, and catalyzing political sentiment. Whether through the lens of state actors who commission artists to flaunt the power and wealth of their most dogmatic leaders. Or activists who use art to disrupt the status quo—to tantalize the public into wanting something better. Or artists who are themselves at once servant and agent—marking history with their interpretive observations and making history with incisive calls to action. Art is a critical location of political activity and among the most productive spaces for political conflict.