I created this artwork to represent the strife between the voices of the people and the
government pertaining to music. Governments across the globe have been known to restrict
music and the people who create it on different levels. This piece shows the voice of the
government in red, and the voice of the people and musicians in black. I created the work by
using red and black fine-tipped markers and quotes from musicians and governments around
the world and in history.
This artwork aligns with the course learning objectives by showing me how different
cultures interact with music. It taught me to analyze more deeply into what music means for
musicians, governments, and for the people. It showed me how to think critically about music,
and what it means for different nations and groups. It enhanced how I listen to music, not just as
a melody or a rhythm, but as a testimony of their life, and the environment around them. It
showed me that not all governments allow their people free rein of music, and how they have to
stand up for the right to express themselves. Their music may be different, but we can all still
connect on the idea of a song, and the expression of a melody.
The work responds to the main theme of the course, music and its power. Yet this music
has had a history of being controlled by governments and those in power. So this artpiece
shows Music vs. Power, or music versus government regulation. The words in red are quotes
taken from leaders of different nations, including the ones we discussed (North Korea, America,
Iran, Russia etc.), from when they talked about the regulation on music. The black lettering is
“the voice of the people”; basically musicians and their idea and interpretation of music as direct
quotes. The instruments symbolize the voice of musicians being carried by the instruments they
play, including the most common instruments: the guitar, piano, trumpet, drum, and microphone.
The microphone is on, showing how the voice of the people cannot be turned off. However, the
microphone cable is cut, showing how governments restrict music. The triangles and circle
symbolize strife between governments and musicians, as the government is more commanding
in red and shows potential danger. The musicians are represented with black circles, and while
there are more of them then the “government” (triangles), they are still overpowered by them.

Lilly Hall, a first-year nursing student.