Abstract
This paper focuses on the performative protest of violinist Wuilly Arteaga, an increasingly notable member of Venezuela's La Resistencia. Using Susanne Langer's (1942) theoretical framework implicating the power in artistic expression, this paper argues that Arteaga's style of protest rhetoric functions as a powerful presentational form, through the use of his musical performances in the midst of protests. In combination - playing iconic Venezolano music, the violin itself, and wearing the colors of the Venezuelan flag - his performance carries a powerful message of remembrance, perseverance, and hope that the discursive cannot convey. In analyzing this form of presentational protest rhetoric, this paper contends that in terms of outcomes of protest, this particular form has proven to be more meaningful and effective than other forms of protest in meeting its ultimate goals.
Journal Title
Iowa Journal of Communication
Volume
51
Issue
1
First Page
149
Last Page
174
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
Grau, Irene and Matos, Julie
(2019)
"Playing for the Masses: The Role of Music in Venezuelan Protetsts,"
Iowa Journal of Communication: Vol. 51:
No.
1, Article 10.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/ijc/vol51/iss1/10
Copyright
©2019 Iowa Communication Association
