When elected officials have kowtowed and folded beneath the fascist dictators of history, the artist has often been the only one to keep movement toward the morally compassionate, speaking and presenting ideas that challenge and condemn notions of hate, inequality, and injustice. The past few years of living in this country have challenged many of us, as MAGA and the Republican Party have employed ICE and other actions of violence against our own citizens, but with the recent election – an outright condemnation and repudiation of the MAGA movement (even Texas went blue, y’all) I’m hopeful the tide may be turning. It would not have happened without artists like Joe Ulrich pushing against the hatred, even when it proved unpopular and invited attacks. Ulrich’s art is political, as much of art is, even when we think it isn’t, and in this day and age that takes a certain courage and fortitude, one that easily earns him this Dazzler of the Day crowning.
My favorite dazzlers are artists, and when they’re from my own hometown it is extra fulfilling (I was in several classes with his lovely wife Gina). Ulrich is the Amsterdam antidote for certain other politicians from that area, and a ray of hope in a place that doesn’t always vote for its best interests. Better than that, his artistic talent transcends the limited idea of art solely as social statement, standing on its own as moving and powerful testament to the resilience and fortitude of the human spirit, conveyed with detailed form and intentionally executed lines. Check out the artist’s description of one of his most compelling works below.
“While this piece was done earlier this year, the emotional impacts on the victims and their families from this administration’s immigration policies remain and are still deeply relevant. Some of you may find this piece offensive or unsettling. Good. Art is supposed to trigger an emotion. This piece focuses on the hypocritical behavior of those who support an agency hiding behind the facade of law and order bent on an amoral crusade. Their Christo-fascist agenda does not go away after they put money in the coffer or hang up their Sunday dresses. Unjustified violence is never the answer. Let peace prevail. Just like the true, original antifascist is trying to teach you.” – Joe Ulrich
