Joni Mitchell Turns Political Paintings Into New Book ‘NEWS’

Joni Mitchell is bringing her political artwork together in “NEWS,” a new book built around 23 paintings that respond to power, conflict and the relentless rhythm of the 24-hour news cycle.

The collection is scheduled to arrive in early November. Mitchell conceived, painted and designed the project, combining imagery with slogans and excerpts from song lyrics. The result extends a visual practice that has always existed alongside her songwriting, but places her political concerns at the center.

A protest song made for the eyes

In text prepared for the book, Mitchell describes painting as her first love and says the current climate created a need to speak up. She links the project to the tradition of artists responding to political violence and authoritarianism, pointing to works by Pablo Picasso, Charlie Chaplin and Mel Brooks.

Mitchell characterizes “NEWS” as a protest song for the eyes rather than the ears. That phrase neatly captures the project’s premise: the book uses the visual language of headlines, slogans and mass media while asking readers to slow down and examine a single artist’s reaction to public life.

Signed editions will support charities

Alongside the standard book, 500 hand-numbered and signed copies are being offered. The first 10 numbered copies are part of a separate auction running through October 29. Proceeds from that auction are designated for the ACLU, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Save the Children and the ASPCA.

The paintings are also set for a two-day display at L.A. Louver in Venice, California, on October 29 and 30. That exhibition gives the work a brief life on gallery walls before the book reaches a wider audience.

“NEWS” follows Mitchell’s 2019 volume “Morning Glory on the Vine,” which collected watercolor paintings, handwritten lyrics and poems. Her latest project is more pointed in theme, presenting art not as a side note to a music career but as another channel for the same independent voice.