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Using whatever definition, because art exists in society, it is a
social phenomenon; it has occupied a place within the social
structure and stands inevitably in relation to order social
elements, regardless of the whishes of the artists.
Social Structure is built upon relations of power. Each social
elements seeks the most power within the social structure, based on
certain reasonable costs, norms, and values.
The clearest - if not the most important and, certainly, not the
only - method of gaining or regulating power in all modern social
structures is politics.
What is the relationship between art and politics, the clearest
instrument and manifestation of power?
All relations are relations of power, and all works of art are
political. These two premises can be an appropriate point of
departure for our discussion here - even at the cost of being
accused of over politicization, and apart from testing their truth
at this juncture.
Politics id generally understood as the means of regulating
relations of power between different individuals and groups. On the basis, any common interest in art can, in the final analysis,
be defined in the framework of relations of power.
A corollary of the premise that all works of art are political is
that a distinguishable entity called "Political Art" does
not exist.
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