Inner Protest (2025)

Cardiff Metropolitan University, Erin Victoria Mora Colton

The Performance of Activism & Resistance

Inner Protest is a staged protest project, blending collage, photography, and performance to critique the modern spectacle of activism. It highlights the internal turmoil of witnessing global crises while feeling isolated in recognizing their severity.

Concept and Inspiration

Influenced by Mark Wallinger’s State Britain, which documented a censored protest, Inner Protest expands on this theme by staging a demonstration that never existed. The work asks: Is activism an act of defiance, or has it become a carefully curated performance?

Visual Elements & Symbolism

  • Bold red hues symbolize danger and urgency.

  • Protective gear (goggles, masks) represent both survival and confrontation.

  • Layered self-portraits express exhaustion and frustration.

Interacting with the Work

This project questions the role of media and digital platforms in activism. It challenges the audience to reflect on whether they actively engage with change or merely consume activism as content.