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Art of Protest: Creating, Discovering, and Activating Art for Your Revolution

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From Keith Haring to Extinction Rebellion, the civil rights movement to Black Lives Matter, what does a revolution look like? Discover the power of words and images in this thought-provoking look at protest art by highly acclaimed artivist De Nichols.

From the psychedelic typography used in "Make Love Not War" posters of the '60s to the solitary raised fist, some of the most memorable and striking protest artwork from across the world and throughout history deserves a long, hard look. Readers can explore each piece of art to understand how color, symbolism, technique, and typography play an important role in communication. Guided by activist, lecturer, and speaker De Nichols's powerful narrative and stunningly illustrated by a collaboration of young artists, this volume also has plenty of tips and ideas for creating your own revolutionary designs. This is a fully comprehensive look at the art of protest.

80 pages, Hardcover

Published November 16, 2021

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286 people want to read

About the author

De Nichols

3 books2 followers
De Nichols is currently a Loeb Fellow in residence at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design. As an arts-based organizer, social impact designer, serial entrepreneur, and keynote lecturer, she's mobilized change-makers nationwide to develop creative approaches to the social, civic, and racial justice issues that matter most within communities. One of her most celebrated works, The Mirror Casketed, was cited in an article by Angela Davis entitled “The Art of Protest.”

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Nursebookie.
2,888 reviews451 followers
November 30, 2021
This is truly an amazing guide by De Nichols an activist, lecturer, and speaker . This beautifully illustrated book is a powerful narrative and stunningly illustrated by a collaboration of young artists. This book has plenty of tips and ideas for creating your own revolutionary designs. This is a fully comprehensive look at the art of protest.

This book is a must have to bring a voice to our children!
Profile Image for Aiden.
37 reviews
June 16, 2025
Kids book (ages 10 and up) but still felt like there wasn’t enough info / dates / history. Art is phenomenal and I liked the prompts to make your own protest signs though.
Profile Image for Jaimie.
1,736 reviews25 followers
July 1, 2025
The actual art of protest is a nuanced and rich subject, so I had high expectations for this book, but it unfortunately came up short. Yes, the intended audience is younger readers (the next generation of activists!), but they went a little too far with oversimplifying the subject and wound up stripping the book of much of the impact it could have had. Besides presenting a checklist of potential means of inciting activism with each section (basic, but useful in terms of providing basic instructions), the authors dabble in exploring historical and current movements and the activists who began them. This should have been a strong basis, providing oodles of inspiration, but while their narrative is accessible and brief, they lack actual representations of visual activist artwork in lieu of a unified graphic design created by their own team of artists. Yes, this gives young readers a cohesive visual narrative (and a lovely, bold one at that), but it seems disappointing to miss out on being exposed to the real artwork. Aside from a Keith Haring piece presented for deciphering visual cues, a swath of Damon Davis’ hands alongside June Jordan’s “A Song for Soweto,” and an example of Jacob Lawrence with commentary, the field is left to what feels like slightly sanitized graphic design. It feels sad to not have felt much inspiration while reading this book, but unfortunately by the finale I didn’t have a single spark left in me, besides wishing that this book had packed more of a punch. Maybe for a young artist looking for a simple to follow instruction manual this book might do the trick, but I still feel like it could have done better.
Profile Image for Jan.
36 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2022
Wish you could change the world? Want to spread the word? This enticing volume can help! Author De Nichols cut her teeth on the art of protest through her involvement with the Black Lives Matter movement in her home city of St. Louis, MO. Here, in an informal, conversational style, she collaborates with five illustrators to offer a history of protest art, in a variety of genres, along with practical hands-on examples and directions on how to organize, produce, and deliver your message. Featuring many celebrated artists such as, Keith Haring, Ai Weiwei and Banksy, as well as grass roots movements started by young activists like Greta Thunberg, students from Parkland, and the Umbrella Movement (to name just a few), Nichols stresses that it's often the passion of young people that sparks change. In the spirit of protest, the book defies publishing protocol with its raw, unconventional format (chipboard covers and title stamped on exposed spine signatures). However, a sparse Contents presentation, consisting of a single two-page spread set in enormous text, along with the absence of a standard index, make it difficult for aspiring activists to access the wealth of information contained in this valuable resource. Every handbook needs an index! A single-page of end matter listing Source Notes and Image credits is included, but will prove less than accessible to the book's target audience. That criticism aside, this is an engaging and useful guide apt to spark the imagination of fledgling protestors striving to make a better world.
Profile Image for Bianca.
442 reviews12 followers
Read
March 27, 2023
just okay... did a general perusing/flip through of this, and oddly enough, the general impression I got was that it was too narrow.

so much of this book is about protest specifically tied to the experience of being black in the US - understandable, since there are so many different infuriating issues related to the treatment of black people, but I kept wishing that this book would be more broad. it's WILD that as a black woman i'm like hmmm, not white enough, but sort of? the examples given here make the mode of address a very specific one that is not accessible to all readers, and I think this book would be stronger if it could draw from a wider range of movements. it's so easy for people who aren't black to just Not Get It, and thus I feel those readers would be much harder to reach without mentioning a cause they can fully understand. what about protesting issues about immigration, education, censorship, wage gaps, unions, environmental racism, ableism/disability advocacy, sexism, environmental initiatives... there were a couple of sections that did mention something other than police brutality and BLM, like a page featuring Greta Thunberg and a page about the students in Parkland, but they sort of felt like abbreviated afterthoughts that were included in order to make things feel more balanced.

I think if this was renamed with a subtitle that acknowledges the specific vibe of Protesting And Existing While Black it would be more powerful. as is, it seems like it's struggling to do too much and losing the strength it could have in other spaces.
338 reviews5 followers
December 18, 2021
I absolutely love this book! It gives a strong voice to art and draws you right in from the get-go with it’s interactive elements, gorgeous color palette, excellent fonts reminiscent of the powerful protests of the 60’s and the eye-catching graphics. This book empowers you to create-out loud-and proud! I learned so much about the historical aspects of using art in protest and then also how to apply it to the social movements of today. This book makes you want to be involved and free to express your voice in so many unique ways that are much more accessible than words alone. Protest expression is for everybody! Art is accessible and vastly “readable” by more than just words and above all, you do not need to be an artist to express yourself artistically. It is evident that there is an urgent call for everyone to get involved and art allows you to reach beyond words to express yourself honestly. Art is the history, the present and future of protest. Art is for the young and the very old. Art surpasses boundaries and invites everyone in to be a part of it. This “how to” book is not only a guide to protest art but it offers hope and the belief that our communal voice can and will make a difference in uniting the world. Start creating the change that is needed for a better world for all humankind.
This book should be in every library, art room and bookshelf of every teen! I highly recommend this and cannot wait to get started on my own artistic expression of protest!
Profile Image for Wren.
1,213 reviews149 followers
December 12, 2022
This is a powerful book with a lot of detail about the methods and the history of protest art.

Before reading this book, I could list Diego Rivera, Keith Haring, and Banksy as protest artists, and that was about it.

The book lists movements and artists and explains the rationale for using protest art. It also gives explanations of the symbolism behind a clenched fist, a rainbow, and other images. It also explains some of the common meanings behind various colors. It analyzes a Keith Haring painting created to advocate for more effective policies to treat, cure, and prevent AIDS and a Jacob Lawrence painting about the negligence that African Americans faced (face) in the US medical system.

One section talks about the emergence of protest activities used with digital media. There are direct calls for young people to use art to advocate for change.

The back matter includes bios for the six creators of this book (author and artists) and source notes / image credits for information in the book.

It's a hard cover book made with thick cardboard, giving it a handmade feel. The colors are vibrant and there are a lot of thick black lines to accentuate ideas and images.

It's a powerful and provocative book!

I can see young readers ages 11 to 17 reading this book and finding it very engaging.
Profile Image for Maura.
84 reviews
November 23, 2021
I received a free advanced copy of this book from the LibraryThing Early Reviewers giveaway in exchange for an honest review.

This is a beautiful and impactful book that drew me in right away with its unique binding and vibrant colors. It’s not necessarily a “how to” on making protest art but a celebration of various protest art movements over the years. I love the term Nichols coins of “artivist” when it comes to making protest art. There are also some “try this” activities for readers, including creating a protest sign for an issue that’s important to them.

This is a book that a social studies class or art class could use to open a discussion or project on protest movements/protest art. Looking at the political climate of our country, I think teachers working with this book should provide an explanation of some sort to students about how protest art should fight for a cause, but should not be something that allows you to add to acts of hate and violence. For example, teaching students that making protest art to support a cause they believe in (like BLM) does not give license to others to create a sign that promotes messages of hate (racism). Overall, a very inspiring title.
Profile Image for Stephanie Tournas.
2,728 reviews36 followers
December 12, 2021
With its backless binding and chip board cover, this manual for creating art and presence for a social cause is edgy and attractive. The author, an “artivist” in the wake of the murder of Michael Brown Jr. in Ferguson, Missouri, explains the role of protest art throughout history and gives examples that will resonate with young adults and others interested in the role of creativity in grassroots activism. There are pictures of art from Keith Haring and Jacob Lawrence, quotations from Nina Simone and Ai Weiwei, and lots of easy to parse information about using color, poetry, music, symbols, and typography to make a point and galvanize support. Each chapter has a “Try This:” section with exercises for getting creative juices flowing.

The five illustrators’ art is bold and offers wonderful stylistic examples to readers. The pages are printed on different colored paper, extending the edgy “zine” feel for the book.
Profile Image for Vera Elwood.
129 reviews2 followers
March 5, 2025
Remember those -Ology books everyone loved as a kid? Pirate-ology, fairy-ology, etc? Now imagine those books talked social justice movements instead of mythical creatures and used modern art instead of encyclopedia-style drawings. That's what you get with Art of Protest.
It's only March, but this might already be my favorite read of the year. I borrowed this book from the public library but I am already searching for a copy I can own for myself. I have truly never read a book like this before - much less a children's book. I took so long to read it because I was savoring every page with the beautiful art and using each reference to artists and larger social movements to jumpstart a million research rabbit holes. This book may be shelved in Children's but I think it would have cross-generational appeal as a primer on the use of art and visual language in social justice movements throughout history.
Profile Image for RuthAnn.
1,297 reviews196 followers
January 11, 2022
"Artmaking is making the invisible, visible." - Marcel Duchamp

This book is amazing! Informative, inspiring, and beautifully illustrated - I want teachers and parents to RUN out and get it to spur conversation and art. 👏👏 I loved how the author talked about historic revolutions and and modern movements, included such a diverse collection of artists and activists, and provided ideas to try your own protest art. I took notes as I read and learned about artists who were new to me, and I'm excited to keep going. I have zero skill in visual art, so I also appreciated the explanation of artistic techniques like the use of color, symbols, and typography. As an object, the book is interesting and appealing: the cover is made of a stiff chipboard, and the large format displays the vibrant art AND lies flat. Could I gush about this book any more?! It is EXCELLENT.
Profile Image for Jeni Enjaian.
3,604 reviews52 followers
February 5, 2022
I received a copy of this book through the app Library Thing's Early Reviewer's program. I had requested several books and requested this one, almost on a whim. When it arrived, I did not know what to think of it. It does not have traditional binding nor are the front and back cover made from traditional material. I do not know whether that is a product of the early review nature of the book or an intentional artistic decision.
This book did not take long to read. Unfortunately, it did not provide much either. I did not dislike the text and in fact, I absolutely adored the illustrations. Every single page held absolutely phenomenal illustrations that showcase the incredible talents of the five different people chosen to illustrate this work.
For me, this book fell into a good but not for me category so while I enjoyed the read, I will not keep this book in my collection.
Profile Image for Andrew.
2,330 reviews71 followers
March 5, 2022
What does Protest Art mean? Take a look into the various historical movements and artwork that helped carry some big-time historical protests.
From color pallets to art mediums, this book will give you handy tips, tricks and awareness of history and activism to inspire anyone, no matter their skills, to help shape their world.
This does include making viral videos and memes online and being aware of fake news as well.

As the book states, "Start making. Start creating the change that's needed for a better world." -De Nichols
Profile Image for Billie Jo.
419 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2022
Absolutely loved this book. This book is an ideal resource for the tween , teen and above who wish to use art to share a message. The examples were varied, the information about color and typeface was helpful, and all was delivered with bold art and concise, but informative stories. As a Girl Scout leader, our troop has done badge work that taught about media, and marketing plus the girls have created projects to create change in our community. I see this book as a helpful reference for color meaning and just inspiration of different ways to share messages.
Profile Image for Sandy Brehl.
Author 8 books134 followers
November 9, 2022
A very original approach to an important topic: The role of ART in protest movements, historically and into the future. This offers examples from a range of historic and recent protest movements as well as a blueprint for effectively doing so in the future.
The format with "board book" covers, full page images with reduced text, and examples across many causes makes this an accessible and appealing book for teens and older.
Profile Image for Beth.
4,176 reviews18 followers
December 14, 2022
This was a bit awkward to hold, and the colors seemed muted for what it was saying. I liked the information, but I wanted more details on how art works as protest -- what is effective? how do you create change?

Probably I should leave better reactions to people who can do art -- I'm not very good at making it or appreciating it.
Profile Image for Lemondrop Booktalks.
315 reviews3 followers
September 4, 2023
I really liked this! It’s a great YA non fic book with a ton of good information, protest examples, and easy tips and suggestions to get into protesting. Amazing for educators to read to give their youth ideas, and great for youth to read to be inspired!
Profile Image for Davide Genco.
229 reviews20 followers
December 29, 2023
Ok, it was made for kids. However, Bruno Munari also made books for kids. I don’t know if it’s a problem of the Italian edition, but the book falls short on the case studies - which are not shown - the methodology - which is not explained - and the descriptions - which are not accurate.
Profile Image for Monique.
1,815 reviews
January 16, 2024
Amazing documentation of what the art of protest looks like. I was able to get so many ideas on art that I could make to voice my concerns about current social problems in Oklahoma. Can't wait to display some of my new art.
Profile Image for Kris.
3,574 reviews69 followers
September 19, 2025
I love the concept here, and the idea of making kids aware of protest art is something I fully support. This one just didn't give enough context behind the art, and I REALLY wish there had been more real examples of the art rather than just graphic design representations.
Profile Image for Marianne.
1,527 reviews51 followers
November 19, 2021
Excellent overview for older kids of protest art. Added a star for how vibrant and compelling the illustration and book design are.
Profile Image for Noora Keto.
35 reviews1 follower
June 24, 2025
Inspiroiva kirja aktivismitaiteen tekemisestä! Selkeästi ja helposti jäsennelty, ihanat kuvitukset ja konkreettisia esimerkkejä mukana taideaktivismin tekemiseen.
Profile Image for Rachel.
91 reviews2 followers
June 28, 2025
Beautiful little book with some history of protest art & ideas on protest art to make!
Profile Image for Jill.
2,298 reviews97 followers
December 9, 2021
How do you inform people about important issues in a succinct way with high impact? Protest art has historically filled this role, and continues to do so with great effect. Images and short catchy phrases have the power not just to communicate information, but to elicit powerful emotional reactions. Propagandists as varied as Vladimir Lenin, Adolf Hitler, and Donald Trump have used image and the power of phrase - however devoid of meaning or fact - to influence public opinion and gain followers.

Not all propaganda is negative though, and it can also be a powerful force for social justice. The author of this book, De Nichols, is an arts-based organizer who helps others to develop creative approaches to the social, civic, and racial justice issues they care about. In this book she passes on tools to help anyone and everyone make a difference.

She delineates various forms protest art can take, including craftivism, street art, guerrilla art, public performance, projection art, political art, culture jamming, photography, poetry, and music. The book shows and discusses examples of each. She also explains how the use of symbols, color, and typography can be used to enhance messages.

As Nichols quotes Diego Rivera as saying, “The role of the artist is that of a soldier of the revolution.”

Legal scholars have done a great deal of research on the efficacy of visual aids to enhance understanding and retention of information. Thus litigators increasingly use graphic aids in trials. Pictures tell a story, and stories are remembered better than recitations of facts, especially if they are complex. Moreover, visual images are more persuasive - think of the importance of images in the George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery cases.

Nichols reports on different movements - mostly relatively recent - that have successfully used art to convey information by employing powerful pictures and viral slogans. Three simple words like “Black Lives Matter” or even just the numbers “8:46” representing the amount of time a police officer knelt on the neck of George Floyd, have influenced the quest for justice, becoming rallying points all over the globe.

Nichols focuses on young activists, giving short bios of those around the world who have made a difference, from John Lewis (while still a teen) in Selma, to the students in South Africa protesting the racial segregation of apartheid, to climate activists Vanessa Nakate in Africa and Greta Thunberg in Sweden, to name a few.

Throughout the book, Nichols includes exercises for activists to make protests more effective.

There are unfortunately dangerous aspects of the use of slogans and images that have arisen with new technology, i.e., very sophisticated forms of misinformation. Nichols also explores the use of tech to create deepfakes and augmented reality. But social media, like other forms of propaganda, can be used for good as well as evil, and provides examples of each.

She concludes:

“Our world right now is ripe for change, for progress, and for new ideas of what tomorrow can bring. . . . our collective well-being depends on people rising up with vision, leadership, and unity to demand more of our existing systems and set a solid path forward to unlock new possibilities. I believe that artists are those visionaries, and I believe in the voice and collective power of protesters and activists to steer us on this hopeful journey.”

The final page simply says “Start MAKING. Start CREATING THE CHANGE that’s needed for a BETTER WORLD.”

Illustrators Diana Dagadita, Molly Mendoza, Olivia Twist, Saddo, and Diego Becas enhance the text immeasurably with stunning pictures, as is fitting for a book about the power of imagery.

Evaluation: This book contains ideas that will not only inspire readers but be incredibly useful to them if they make their own attempts to effect social change. Nichols’ message is that anyone can make a difference, and she wants to help! The book also serves as an entertaining thumbnail history of recent social movements, and would be a valuable addition to any school library collection (that is, if schools are still allowed to include books with messages of protest).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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