• Art has a unique capacity to express the unspoken and unspeakable, often transcending traditional language barriers.
• Example: The artist Titus Kaphar uses art to highlight overlooked aspects of history. In a TED talk, he paints over a replica of a 17th-century painting that downplays racial dynamics. This action emphasizes marginalized elements within the painting, allowing viewers to reevaluate historical narratives around racism and slavery.

Real World Example: Think of Kaphar's artwork as a spotlight in a dimly lit room. While the main elements of the room are easily visible, his art sheds light on hidden corners and objects that have always been there but ignored or overlooked.

• Art also speaks to history and can play a role in adjusting misconceptions and biases.
• Example: The 2019 exhibition "Caravans of Gold, Fragments in Time" revises the popularly accepted historical narrative of West Africa. Instead of a land "discovered" by colonists, the exhibition displays West Africa as a flourishing commercial hub during the medieval period, connected globally through extensive trade networks.

Real World Example: Imagine reading a book about a country's history written by an outsider with a skewed perspective. Now, consider how this perspective changes when you read a book written by someone from that country, offering insights into overlooked historical facts and local customs. "Caravans of Gold, Fragments in Time" does this for West Africa's history.

• Art can also serve as a means to express unspeakable truths, challenge societal norms, or criticize authority - this is often referred to as subversive or transgressive art.
• Example: The French Decadent poets of the late 19th century used art to "shock the upper/middle classes," and hip-hop artists faced obscenity charges in the 1990s US for their provocative lyrics.

Real World Example: Think of a rebellious teenager who uses his clothing style, music choice, or wall posters to challenge his parents' norms or societal conventions. This teenager is akin to subversive artists who use their art as a form of protest or commentary.