# Middle Eastern Unrest Art The 'Dissidents: A Group Show' Exhibit Showcases Political Graffiti By Taylor Keefe | Published 2011-11-16 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dissidents-a-group-show References: [curatedmag](http://www.curatedmag.com/news/2011/11/11/preview-west-berlin-gallery-dissidents-a-group-show/) & [westberlingallery](http://www.westberlingallery.com/) 'Dissidents: A Group Show' is a collection of work created by artists for an [exhibit at the West Berlin Gallery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeffrey-deitch-art-gallery). The exhibit showcases pieces inspired by a year of political and social unrest in various Middle Eastern countries. The Dissidents: A Group Show collection is meant to raise awareness for the many dissidents, past and present, who strive for [political and social equality](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pocket-protests) within a particular region or culture. The artists behind the exhibit are just as politically charged as their artwork. Alias, a [subversive street artist](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/enigmatic-graffiti), uses loaded imagery and mindful aesthetics in his murals while keeping in mind political and social activities that break the boundaries of restriction within a specific region or culture. Another artist known as SP38 mixes silkscreen and paint to create controversial statements which are related to political and social events of their time. These artists, along with many others, try to convey truth and challenge boundaries while driving a message in to the consciousness of observers. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 73% | Activity: 14% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Graffiti](https://www.trendhunter.com/graffiti) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Political Graffiti:** Disruptive innovation opportunities lie in the creation of new ways for individuals to create political graffiti while potentially avoiding legal repercussions. - **Social Unrest Art:** Disruptive innovation opportunities lie in the development of social unrest art that uses a combination of physical and digital mediums to make the message more accessible and widespread. - **Regional Dissidence:** Disruptive innovation opportunities lie in the promotion of regional dissidence by providing a platform for artists to showcase their work and connect with like-minded individuals. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Art:** Art galleries and museums can take advantage of the trending social and political movements by showcasing similar artworks inspired by current events. - **Activism:** Social and political activists can partner with artists to create impactful art that spreads their message to a wider audience. - **Technology:** Technology companies can develop new tools and platforms to make creating and sharing political art easier and more accessible for individuals across the globe. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Graffiti Culture Art Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1970s-graffiti-today.md) - [Student Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lebanese-students-design-in-conflict.md) - [Collaborative Monochromatic Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collaborative-monochromatic-art-exhibition.md) - [Artful Activism Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snowflake-exhibition.md) - [Disruptive Fashion Art Galleries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dirty-looks.md) - [Human Duality-Themed Abstract Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passive-aggression.md) - [Immigration System-Inspired Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passport-series.md) - [Neo-Mexican Art Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/para-morelio.md) - [Digital Graffiti NFTs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graffiti-wall-collection.md)