This site from The International Institute of Social History, titled:
The Chairman Smiles, explores the role of the poster in the 3 dominant communist societies: the USSR, China, and Cuba. It is a fascinating look at the design sensibilities of the genre, and the similarities + differences between them. We will compare + contrast these posters and their characteristics with those of the United States and Germany during World War II.
Which leads us to some questions: How does a work's subject matter or back story affect its legitimacy and artistic merit? How are the ideals of communism reflected in the design? Are there different design concerns versus a poster from the United States?
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Personally, I feel that a work's subject matter has a great impact on its legitimacy and longevity, although not necessarily on its artistic merit.
ReplyDeletePolitical artwork has an almost timeless appeal; as long as the art captures or represents a political ideology or event that continues to linger in the public mind, the piece will impact viewers, and continue to be shared. Just as important, however, is the way that the ideology or event is portrayed; no matter how important the subject matter, a certain visual appeal will be necessary for maximum effect. I feel as though the Soviet and Chinese posters above do this very, very effectively - they both stir an emotion in me, because of both of their subject matters and presentation styles.
I do feel, though, that it may be possible for art to have no long lasting impact regarding its subject matter, but to remain an important piece of artwork stylistically. To be honest, I can't think of any examples at the moment, but I can't imagine that there aren't lesser-known works in the world that were created to capture the essences of lesser-known political events, which are loved collectors merely for their appearances.