The Politic

Yale's Political Publication Since 1947

2026 Arts and Politics Special Issue

Politics in the Arts: Interview with Raye Zaragoza

Hanna Klingbeil Canale

Raye Zaragoza is a singer-songwriter and proud Japanese-American and Indigenous artist based in Los Angeles. Her music challenges traditional expectations of women and explores themes of self-discovery, strength, and joy. Her latest album, Hold That Spirit, explores the female experience and emotional healing, featuring collaborations exclusively with female artists. Zaragoza writes for Netflix’s Spirit Rangers, a Native-led animated series, and recently toured nationally in the reimagined Broadway production of Peter Pan.

Read More

Politics in the Arts: Graffiti, an Artistic and Political Tool: Interviews with Craig Costello and Lee Quinoñes

Rory Schoenberger

Craig Costello was born in 1971 and grew up in Queens, New York, immersed in the graffiti, skate, and punk scenes. After moving to San Francisco for art school, he became interested in photography and conceptual art, beginning a transition away from “classic graffiti ‘tags’” and towards more abstract drips of ink. Costello is well known for creating his own twists on classic graffiti instruments, modifying traditional paint markers such as the UNI PX70 and creating his own inks, often silver inks. In 1998, Costello moved back to New York and began to sell his ink and markers at the Lower East Side design shop Alife. His brand, Krink, is the first ink and marker company targeted toward graffiti writers. Since its inception nearly three decades ago, Krink has grown into a global brand that also sells apparel and accessories and has collaborated with brands like Nike, Vans, and Tiffany & Co. In addition to running Krink, Costello continues to create independent artwork which has been exhibited at museums including the Palais De Tokyo and the Museum of Contemporary Art. 

Read More