In a world where mainstream media often overlooks the pressing issues of our time, a group of independent, underground artists has emerged as powerful voices for change. These forward-thinking creators, spanning various disciplines, use their art to challenge the status quo and address existing political, social and environmental injustices. Their art resonates deeply with audiences seeking authenticity and a call to action, transforming the underground into a movement for global change.
Music: The Sound of Resistance
Sofia Zadar
In the music industry, a new wave of artists is using their voices to challenge oppressive systems and advocate for marginalised communities. Sofia Zadar blends ethereal vocals with experimental beats, crafting songs that confront issues of queer theory and societal expectations, as well as ecofeminism and anti-capitalism. Their single track RED is a sonic exploration of the realms of trauma, proposing outlets for anger outside of aggression. It blends electronic and experimental sounds with deeply personal lyrics, creating music that is both provocative and empowering. Zadar’s music has resonated with the LGBTQIA+ community, providing a voice for those often marginalised. Their performances are not just concerts but experiences that foster dialogue on gender fluidity, acceptance, and the breaking down of societal norms.
Click here to explore more of Sofia Zadar’s work.
Photography: Capturing Truth in a Frame
Kameelah Janan Rasheed
Photography has always been a powerful tool for social change, and photo-based conceptual artists like Kameelah Janan Rasheed are pushing their boundaries. Rasheed’s photography is deeply rooted in her experiences as a Black Muslim woman in America, exploring themes of history, memory, and erasure. Her series No Instructions for Assembly was born from her family’s experience with displacement and loss, examining the fragmentation of Black identities in a society that often seeks to categorise and control them. Rasheed’s work has been exhibited in major galleries but retains a raw, unfiltered quality that speaks directly to those who experience systemic oppression. Her photos are often accompanied by text that disrupts the viewer’s comfort, forcing them to confront the realities of racial and religious marginalisation. Her images are not just photographs; they are visual essays that challenge viewers to reconsider their understanding of race and identity.
Click here to explore more of Kameelah Janan Rasheed’s work.
Zanele Muholi
A visual activist from South Africa, Zanele Muholi is dedicated to documenting the lives of Black LGBTQIA+ individuals in a society where they continue to endure significant discrimination and violence. Through her work, particularly the Faces and Phases series, Muholi offers a powerful and intimate portrayal of the resilience, beauty, and dignity of the LGBTQIA+ community. This series, a collection of black-and-white portraits, celebrates the identity and strength of queer Africans, challenging the stigma and marginalisation they face. By exhibiting these portraits globally, Muholi has not only brought international awareness to the challenges and victories of queer Africans but has also played a crucial role in fostering greater support for LGBTQIA+ rights across Africa and the world. Her art is more than just a visual documentation; it is an act of activism that amplifies the voices and stories of those who are often silenced, contributing to a broader movement for equality and justice.
Click here to explore more of Zanele Muholi‘s work.
Read more: From Page to Plate: The Influence of Literature in Autumnal Cuisine
Film: Visual Narratives for Change
Hito Steyerl
Film is a medium that combines visual art with storytelling, and underground filmmakers like Hito Steyerl and Shirin Neshat are masters of this craft. Hito Steyerl, a German artist and filmmaker, is known for her incisive critiques of global capitalism, militarism, and the digital age through her cinematic work. In her piece The Tower, Steyerl delves into the complex and unsettling world of drone warfare and surveillance technology. The film uses a virtual reconstruction of the Tower of Babel, a symbol of human hubris, as a metaphor to explore the ways in which technology is wielded to exert control and perpetuate power structures. Steyerl’s approach is both visually and intellectually provocative, encouraging audiences to critically examine the ethical and societal consequences of technological advancements. Her influence extends far beyond the art community, as her work engages with and shapes discussions in academic and policy-making arenas, particularly in debates surrounding digital ethics, surveillance, and the militarisation of technology.
Click here to explore more of Hito Steyerl‘s work.
Shirin Neshat
Shirin Neshat, an Iranian-American filmmaker, is known for her politically charged work that delves into the intricate issues of gender and cultural identity in the Middle East. Her acclaimed film Women Without Men tells the story of four women in 1950s Iran, against the backdrop of the 1953 coup that toppled the democratically elected government. Through its poetic imagery and layered narrative, the film offers a nuanced critique of the patriarchal and authoritarian forces that shape the lives of women in the region. Neshat’s work not only raises awareness of the struggles faced by women in Iran but also inspires a new generation of Middle Eastern filmmakers to use cinema as a tool for social critique and change. Both Steyerl and Neshat use their art to highlight the intersections of politics, culture, and personal identity, making their films essential viewing for anyone interested in social justice.
Click here to explore more of Shirin Neshat‘s work.
Poetry: Words of Weapons
Jasmine Mans
In the world of poetry, words are more than just tools for expression — they are weapons for change. A powerful voice in spoken word poetry, Jasmine Mans tackles issues of race, gender, and identity with a raw, unapologetic style. Written with raw honesty and emotional intensity, her poems are a rallying cry for those who feel unheard, offering both solace and strength.Her poem Black Girl, Call Home has resonated with audiences worldwide, offering a voice to those who feel marginalised and silenced. Mans’s performances are often described as both cathartic and confrontational, challenging listeners to face uncomfortable truths about society’s treatment of Black women. Her work has been featured in numerous anthologies and has inspired countless young poets to use their voices for social change.
Click here to explore more of Jasmine Mans‘ work.
Ocean Vuong
Ocean Vuong’s poetry is a profound exploration of identity, memory, and the lingering effects of trauma. In both his poetry and his debut novel On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, Vuong draws from his experiences as a Vietnamese immigrant in America, weaving themes of war, family, and queer identity into his work. His writing is celebrated for its lyrical beauty, marked by evocative imagery that resonates deeply with readers. Vuong’s work challenges and expands the narrative surrounding the immigrant experience in America, offering a powerful counter-narrative to mainstream depictions of refugees and immigrants. Through his poetry, Vuong humanises these stories, shedding light on their complexities and the enduring impact of displacement and cultural intersection. His work has sparked important conversations about identity and belonging, giving voice to those who often go unheard in broader societal discourses.
Click here to explore more of Ocean Vuong’s work.
Read more: Artists Who Refuse to Collaborate or License Their WorkÂ
Ilya Kaminsky
Born in the former Soviet Union, the Ukrainian-American poet Ilya Kaminsky uses his words to confront the realities of war and displacement, creating poetry that is both heartbreaking and hopeful. His collection Deaf Republic is a powerful exploration of defiance in the face of oppression. Set in a fictional town, its inhabitants chose to communicate solely through sign language as an act of rebellion against a tyrannical regime, in response to the killing of a deaf boy by soldiers. Kaminsky’s work has been widely acclaimed for its innovative use of form and its poignant commentary on the human cost of conflict. His poetry has not only earned him numerous awards but has also been used in educational settings to teach about the impacts of war and the power of resistance.
Click here to explore more of Ilya Kaminsky’s work.
Visual Art: The Canvas of Resolution
Kara Walker
Visual artists have long been at the forefront of social and political movements, and today’s underground scene is no exception. Kara Walker is a master of using provocative silhouettes to confront the legacy of slavery and racism in America. Her installation A Subtlety was a monumental sugar sculpture that drew attention to the exploitation of black labour in the sugar industry. Her large-scale installations and cut-paper silhouettes are both beautiful and haunting, forcing viewers to confront the brutal history of racial violence. Her art has sparked important conversations about race in America, particularly in the context of historical memory and the legacy of slavery.
Click here to explore more of Kara Walker‘s work.
Alia Ali
An artist of Yemeni and Bosnian descent, Alia Ali’s photography explores the concept of borders — both physical and metaphorical. Her series Borderland uses textiles, patterns, and portraiture to explore themes of migration, identity, and cultural assimilation. Borderland was driven by the forceful measures to restrict entry, paired with a rising wave of nationalism that prioritises exclusion over offering safety and refuge to those most in need. This narrative is not only leading to the construction of physical barriers worldwide but is also dismantling communities that thrive on diversity. Ali’s work has sparked conversations about the refugee crisis and the arbitrary nature of borders, especially in Europe and the Middle East. Her visuals are a call for empathy and understanding, challenging viewers to reconsider their perceptions of nationality and belonging.
Click here to explore more of Alia Ali’s work.
Korakrit Arunanondchai
Thai artist Korakrit Arunanondchai blends traditional Thai culture with contemporary technology and media in his immersive installations. His work often explores themes of memory, spirituality, and identity in a rapidly globalising world. In his project Painting with History in a Room Filled with People with Funny Names (2013-ongoing), Arunanondchai uses denim as a canvas, integrating video and performance to create a sensory experience that reflects on Thailand’s political landscape and the impact of Westernisation. His art serves as a bridge between the old and the new, encouraging viewers to reflect on cultural preservation in a modern context.
Click here to explore more of Korakrit Arunanondchai’s work.
Read more: 6 Chinese Male Celebrities To Follow On Instagram for Style Inspiration
The Voices of the Underground
These under-the-radar artists are proving that the underground is not just a place for experimentation and innovation — it is a crucible for change. By using their art to address the most pressing issues of our time, they are challenging the status quo and inspiring a new generation of activists and creators. As their platforms grow, the lines between art and activism continue to blur, creating a powerful movement that is impossible to ignore. The appreciation for the underground movement is growing, and with it, a new era of empathetic, socially conscious art.
For more on the latest in art and culture reads, click here.
