Art has been a political tool for centuries. Ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt saw many examples (usually political leaders "tooting their own horn"). Medieval artworks frequently were used to reinforce the authority and dogma of the Roman Catholic Church. Renaissance greats often used political symbolism in their art--sometimes subtly, sometimes not--and were hired by the rich and powerful to create art with specific meanings.
In more modern times, who can forget the heart-wrenching impact of Picasso's "Guernica" in response to Nazi bombings? Or Goya's "Third of May"?
In our current political climate the arts are under attack. Funding for the arts has been all but eliminated. The Kennedy Center, once a shining example of the arts in America, has been taken over and subjected to draconian censorship. But the world of artists refuses to be silenced. Politically charged messages are often turned into memes, tshirts, and other items (how much of that qualifies as "art" is open to debate, but in the 21st century technological media they can be shared at lightning speed with huge audiences). And political art is being created. Songwriters are turning their attention to our dire circumstances. One I really enjoy is Jesse Welles , who has a lively and entertaining YouTube channel of his own. And I have been creating political pieces
