The radical art of nursing: Resistance, creativity and the crisis in healthcare

In contemporary nursing education, the intersection of art, activism, and social justice remains a vital yet often overlooked dimension of vocational training. As Audre Lorde (1984) powerfully stated, “the master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house,” underscoring the urgency for alternative pedagogical approaches that challenge structural inequities within higher education institutions (HEIs). Integrating art as a form of activism in nursing education aligns with critical pedagogy principles, fostering self-reflection, resilience, and a deeper understanding of the social justice challenges within healthcare.