​Assumptions about the nature of scientific theory and truth are being called back into doubt after years of general acceptance—in most instances for political rather than epistemological reasons (climate change, evolution, vaccines, etc.). These doubts are evident in the actions of large segments of the population and exhibited by the present leadership; politicians can say more or less whatever they want to and overwhelming numbers of people either believe, don’t understand, don’t care, or somehow think they can’t be affected by the hegemonic “truth” of the moment.

Art, a form of expression with highly symbolic emotional content, can bypass conscious filters or “reason,” and may actually be the best route inside peoples’ heads—to their understanding of the world. And, for art to be a crucial, visionary contributor to the human project, it must be critical of the ruling order.

Let's talk about the role of art in the age of alternative facts.