Is all art political?

Doris Salcedo made the bold statement that all art is political. Slacedo's "Shibboleth" exhibit within Turbine Hall of Tate Modern contains a large crack down the center of the hall. The crack which spans the entire floor, literally shakes the foundations of our perceptions of art. Salcedo, born in Colombia, is an immigrant to London and has felt the harsh attitude felt by foreigners within England. Salcedo states that immigrants are as unwelcome in Europe as the crack is within the museum hall. Both immigrants and the crack intrude without permission, creating an uncomfortable environment for England's native, and the museum's visitors, respectively. "Shibboleth" itself refers to a custom or phrase that acts as a test of belonging to a certain group. With the crack, Salcedo has broken through the silent indifference to ongoing racism, and her work encourages its viewers to address the racial concerns of the present. Salcedo is one of many artists who use their art to drive forward their political agendas, to reveal political instability within their countries, and to force viewers to address the cracks within society. Though Salcedo and many other artists have political messages within their works, some art has been created without any political agendas. Not all art is political, but art and politics are intertwined.
-Tina