Authority in art seems like a contradiction. The concept of art to me elicits an environment open for discussion. That is why I find Hugo Chavez’s talk show so progressive. As the former President of Venezuela he symbolized authority and power, but he aligned himself with the people of Venezuela and was relatable through his show, Aló Presidente, which featured a book club, artistic performances, and call in sessions. Speaking about topics other than politics, he created conversations with his fellow citizens. In addition, he used his show as a form of propaganda, which is definitely art in its ability to skew representations and depict country values. He commonly spoke of the “Bolivian Revolution” and promoted anti-American rhetoric. Although Chavez used his talk show as a vehicle for his political agenda, it definitely was a step in the right direction to including everyday people in dialogue. Today, I would compare this to prominent authority figures including the President himself starring in Saturday Night Live. They not only engage in performance art, but they also complete unscripted dialogues ranging from funny skits to political spoofs.
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