A Reflection on the Citizens’ Attitudes to the Political Situation (and Their Creative Renditions)

Abstract

The primary aim of the article is to identify the degree of creativity in the expressive means employed by citizens showing their attitudes to the current political situation. Other aims of the text include the identification of rhetorical, linguistic and stylistic resources and explicit and implicit inspirations related to art present in the recorded messages. The authors address three research questions arising from the above-mentioned aims. The research material consists of photographs of 203 different messages in the form of banners, scale models, models, ready-made, objet trouvé, performances and other textual and/or visual representations displayed during the protest held on 16th March 2018 on the SNP Square in Bratislava, which was held after the brutal murder of Slovak investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová. The authors use a modified method of content and image analysis and product creativity evaluation. The data is analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively, i.e. via triangulation approach. In the concluding part of the study, the authors discuss the available options in connection with the use of banners and other messages as a means of self-expression and manifestation of commitment, political activism and civic engagement. The most creative messages have the greatest potential to be multiplied through social networks and thus transmit the intended message in a more efficient way.