In June 1970, in response to the tragedy at Kent State University where four students were shot and killed by National Guardsman, as well as the growing civil rights and anti-Vietnam War movements, Artforum asked a number of artists to respond to the following question, “What is your position regarding the kinds of political action that should be taken by artists?” Responses from artists including Carl Andre, Jo Baer, Robert Smithson, and Donald Judd were published in the September 1970 issue of Artforum under the title “The Artist and Politics: A Symposium.”

Judd’s statement includes some of his most powerful political remarks. As Judd wrote, “…I think that everyone has to be involved in politics, in organizations that will defend their rights and obtain more, that will decide on what should happen in all public matters. If you don’t act, someone will decide everything.” Making an important distinction, Judd continued, “There is a big difference between the politics of citizens and the politics of interest groups.” Although he did not make expressly political work, Judd did not view his work as an artist as separate from political action. His continued commitment to civic engagement and political action is clearly expressed in his writings, including his essays and letters to public officials, media outlets, and corporate entities. 

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Judd would continue his efforts as an engaged citizen through donations of work to organizations such as Art for a Nuclear Weapons Freeze and Art Against Aids. In 1992, Judd joined the Alert Citizens for Environmental Safety, which successfully forced the relocation of a nuclear waste facility in Sierra Blanca, an area not far from Marfa, Texas. Judd was also a vocal opponent of American military aggression in the Middle East and continued to remain politically active until his death in 1994.

The 2020 billboard features an excerpt from the 1970 statement by Judd “If you don’t act, someone will decide everything.”

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