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Art Manifestos: A Blast from the Past – With a Side of Guerrilla Girls and Stuckists

Writer's picture: Emily HadleyEmily Hadley

Updated: Jan 22

What is an art manifesto?


An art manifesto is a public declaration of the intentions, motives or views of an artist or group of artists. They often outline new artistic principles or philosophies and can be used to challenge or redefine existing norms. Think of them as the art world's version of a mission statement but often with a bit more fire and a dash of the avant-garde!


Why are art manifestos important?


Art manifestos have played a crucial role in shaping the course of art history. They can be seen as catalysts for change, sparking new movements and inspiring future generations of artists.


Here are some famous art manifestos:


The Futurist Manifesto (1909): This profoundly mysogynistic manifesto, written by F.T. Marinetti, rejected the past and celebrated the dynamism of modern life. It championed speed, technology, and violence and had a profound impact on the development of modern art. Imagine a time before fast cars and airplanes – the Futurists were all about embracing that new energy but without any involvement from women.


The Dada Manifesto (1916): Written by Tristan Tzara, this manifesto rejected logic and reason and embraced chance and absurdity. Dadaism was a reaction to the horrors of World War I and its influence can be seen in many contemporary art forms. Think of it as a big "F*ck You!" to the traditional art world, born from the chaos of war. It paved the way for movements such as surrealism and punk.

The Surrealist Manifesto (1924): Written by André Breton, this manifesto explored the realm of the unconscious and the irrational. Surrealism sought to tap into the power of dreams and the subconscious mind, and its influence can be seen in many areas of art, literature and film. Think Salvador Dalí's melting clocks – that's the kind of weird and wonderful stuff the Surrealists were about.

Leonora Carrington The Old Maids 1947 © Estate of Leonora Carrington / ARS, NY and DACS, London 2015. 
Leonora Carrington The Old Maids 1947 © Estate of Leonora Carrington / ARS, NY and DACS, London 2015. 

The Situationist International Manifesto (1958): This manifesto, written by Guy Debord, advocated for a new form of social organisation based on the concept of the "situation." Situationism sought to create temporary, autonomous zones of freedom and creativity and its influence can be seen in many contemporary protest movements. Imagine a world where everyday life is a bit more playful and a bit less predictable – that's what the Situationists were aiming for.


Constant (Constant A. Nieuwenhuys) [no title] (1975–6) Tate © DACS, 2025
Constant (Constant A. Nieuwenhuys) [no title] (1975–6) Tate © DACS, 2025

Beyond the Classics: Some More Modern Manifestos


The Guerrilla Girls Manifesto (1985-present): This ongoing manifesto is all about exposing sexism and racism in the art world. The Guerrilla Girls, a feminist art collective, use humor and satire to challenge the status quo. Think anonymous artists wearing gorilla masks and asking tough questions like "Do women have to be naked to get into the Met. Museum?"


The Stuckist Manifesto (1999): This manifesto, written by Charles Thomson, champions figurative painting and traditional artistic skills. The Stuckists rebelled against what they saw as the pretentiousness of conceptual art. Think a bit of a backlash against the more abstract and conceptual trends in contemporary art.


Is My Shoe Art? by Charles Thomson Copyright © Charles Thomson
Is My Shoe Art? by Charles Thomson Copyright © Charles Thomson

Red Alan's Manifesto by Grayson Perry (2014): This manifesto, written by Perry's alter ego, Red Alan, is a humorous and insightful look at art, class, and British society. Think a bit of social commentary with a healthy dose of self-deprecation.


Grayson Perry RA's Red Alan Manifesto
Grayson Perry RA's Red Alan Manifesto

The Blk Art Group: While not a manifesto in the traditional sense, the Blk Art Group, a collective of Black British artists, emerged in the 1980s. Their work challenged the dominant narratives in British art and focused on issues of race, identity and representation. They weren't just about creating art; they were about changing the conversation and giving a voice to the Black experience in Britain.


Lubaina Himid, Naming the Money (2004). Installation view, Spike Island, Bristol (2017). Copyright Lubaina Himid. Work courtesy Hollybush Gardens and National Museums, Liverpool. Image copyright Spike Island and photographer Stuart Whipps
Lubaina Himid, Naming the Money (2004). Installation view, Spike Island, Bristol (2017). Copyright Lubaina Himid. Work courtesy Hollybush Gardens and National Museums, Liverpool. Image copyright Spike Island and photographer Stuart Whipps

So, next time you're at a museum or gallery, take a moment to consider the ideas behind the art you're looking at. You might be surprised to discover the powerful role that manifestos have played in shaping the art world as we know it today...


Which manifesto speaks to you?! What would you include in an art manifesto?


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