# Political Protest Collages Calvin Whitehurst Uses His Art to Challenge and Question By Jordan Sowunmi | Published 2011-07-16 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/calvin-whitehurst References: [beautifuldecay](http://beautifuldecay.com/2011/07/14/calvin-whitehurst/#more-46290) & [flickr](http://www.flickr.com/photos/calvinwhitehurst/) Calvin Whitehurst is a Milwaukee, Wisconsin based artist who specializes in collages that blend [surrealism, politics and mayhem](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeffrey-deitch-art-gallery) to create memorable artwork that challenges viewers. When looking at Calvin Whitehurst's collages, it's hard not to be inspired to become more [politically involved](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thoughts-prayers-toilet-paper). Some of his collages bear titles referencing their political influence. His collage of two identically dressed young men with a wild bird over their heads is entitled 'Politics of Distrust.' Another strong image, and my personal favorite, is one that features what appear to be Afghan rebels, strapped up with heavy automatic machine guns is entitled 'The Rebels, Fund Them Now, Kill Them Later.' Calvin Whitehurst has the ability to capture the [chaos, passion, and protest](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-street-art-1) in his work that many artists only wish they could. Enjoy this collection of some of his finest work. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.9/10 - Popularity: 41% | Activity: 7% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [DIY](https://www.trendhunter.com/diy) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Political-involved Art:** Calvin Whitehurst's collages inspire viewers to become more politically involved through thought-provoking artwork. - **Surrealistic Politics:** Whitehurst's blend of surrealism and politics in his collages creates memorable and impactful artwork. - **Challenging Visual Narratives:** The collages by Calvin Whitehurst challenge viewers by questioning and challenging societal and political narratives. ### Where This Applies - **Art:** The art industry can explore new avenues of political expression through collages that blend surrealism and politics. - **Activism:** The activism industry can leverage politically-inspired art to engage and mobilize individuals towards causes and protests. - **Print and Publishing:** The print and publishing industry can showcase Calvin Whitehurst's collages to confront and question societal and political norms. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Creative Protest Archives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pocket-protests.md) - [Immigration System-Inspired Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passport-series.md) - [Striking Urban Wildlife Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clare-allin.md) - [Travel-Inspired Canvas Paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-passport-series.md) - [Apocalypse Post Pandemic Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-urban-art.md) - [Wooden Identity Art Forms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hughmanity.md) - [Art-Promoting Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beige-billboards.md) - [Digital Graffiti NFTs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graffiti-wall-collection.md) - [Public Art Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paul-anthony-smith.md)