In 2025, the world witnessed a multitude of injustices, from homes burning due to fossil fuels to the persecution of trans individuals and indigenous people. Despite the overwhelming amount of tragic news, artists and activists rose up to use their creativity as a tool for change. Here are 10 impactful works from 2025 that challenged the status quo and demanded justice.
- Banksy’s Mural in Support of Palestine Protesters
Banksy’s mural at the Royal Courts of Justice in London depicted a court judge beating a protester with his gavel, condemning the British government’s crackdown on Palestine Action. - An Aerial Photo of Migrants’ Cry for Help
Photojournalist Paul Ratje captured migrants spelling out "SOS" from a detention facility in Texas, shedding light on their urgent situation. - "Trans Forming Liberty" by Amy Sherald
Amy Sherald’s portrait of a Black trans woman symbolizing freedom took on new significance amidst fears of censorship amid political crackdowns. - Duane Linklater’s Buffalo Sculptures
Duane Linklater’s exhibition at Dia Chelsea portrayed bison in a free and happy state, challenging the historical mistreatment of Native people and their connection to buffalo. - A Climate Change Warning After LA Fires
Eddie Rodolfo Aparicio’s painting at a rally outside a Chevron refinery in California highlighted the role of fossil fuels in exacerbating wildfires. - The Drawing Protesters Refused to Forget
Protesters co-opted a crude drawing gifted by Trump to Epstein, using it as a symbol of demands for transparency and accountability. - 17,000 Children’s Shoes for Gaza on Pennsylvania Avenue
The People’s Forum arranged 17,000 pairs of children’s shoes on Pennsylvania Avenue to represent the Palestinian children killed in Gaza, calling attention to ongoing violence. - "The Coming of the Lord" by Fabián Cháirez
Fabián Cháirez’s exhibition in Mexico was censored after protests by Christian groups, sparking debates over artistic freedom and censorship. - An Anti-Authoritarian Show Censored by China
An exhibition at the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre featuring artists from Hong Kong, Tibet, and the Uyghur diaspora was heavily censored under pressure from Chinese authorities. - Nativities That Confront ICE’s Cruelty
Nativity scenes across the world used symbolism to criticize ICE’s treatment of migrants, with displays like the one at St. Susanna Parish in Dedham, Massachusetts, sparking controversy.In a year marked by turmoil and injustice, these works of art stood out for their courage, creativity, and unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power. They serve as a reminder of the power of art to inspire change and provoke thought in times of crisis.
