2025 witnessed a surge in injustices, from homes engulfed in flames due to fossil fuel combustion to the incarceration of pro-Palestine activists and the disappearance of migrants from US streets. Transgender individuals faced persecution, and the rights of Indigenous peoples were under threat. Despite the relentless stream of distressing headlines, artists and activists harnessed their creative energies to advocate for change, often putting their own safety at risk. Below is a selection of ten artworks and actions that stood up to power in 2025, offering a glimpse into the courage and intention driving us forward.
In a bold statement supporting Palestinian protesters, Banksy unveiled a mural on September 8, two days after the mass arrest of 900 demonstrators in London. This striking piece, displayed on the Royal Courts of Justice, showcased a judge striking a protester with a gavel. Despite its rapid removal by authorities, the mural’s haunting silhouette became a powerful symbol against the British ban on Palestine Action, which was labeled a “terrorist” group in July.
Paul Ratje, a photojournalist focused on immigration at the US-Mexico border, captured a rare aerial photo of detained migrants at the Bluebonnet Detention Facility in Texas. The Venezuelan detainees spelled out “SOS” as a plea for help, fearing deportation to El Salvador’s notorious prison, CECOT. Ratje described the experience as “surreal,” highlighting the urgency and anxiety conveyed through this unexpected interaction with his drone.
Amy Sherald’s “Trans Forming Liberty,” featuring a Black trans woman modeled on Arewà Basit, gained new relevance in 2025 amid fears of censorship at the Smithsonian Institution. Sherald canceled her exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery, emphasizing the broader implications of government control over museums as a form of policing imagination.
Duane Linklater’s exhibition “12 + 2” at Dia Chelsea featured sculptures of buffalo, symbolizing the deep connection between Indigenous people and these animals. His buffalo, crafted from wire and papier-mâché, appeared in poses of comfort and freedom, contrasting the historical decimation by settlers. This work envisioned a future where Native life thrives without constraint.
