Think Different: The Center for the Study of Politcal Graphics embraces the artistic dissident. (Image by Forkscrew Graphics.)Other than my days spent researching privatization and my nights occupied with the sights and smells of a fine Montreal summer, I’m working on a graphic design contract for a small family business. Doing graphic work that is not explicitly political in nature is a novel experience for me, as most of my modest design history can be pigeonholed as progressive propaganda production.
Contrary to spiffy product packaging that will occupy shelf space for some time to come, the wacky world of political poster-making mainly features projects that are the propagandistís equivalent of a sultry one night stand. The media of the moment serves its immediate function of conveying timely information, drawing attention to an event, or arousing the suspicion of passers-by, before the love affair comes to an abrupt end and eventually recedes from memory.
In a bid to curb the uncanny tendency of political posters to decay from pubic consciousness, the Center for the Study of Political Graphics has assumed the responsibility of preserving post-WWII propaganda, amassing over 50,000 posters to date.
“Political posters in particular are powerful living reminders of struggles worldwide for peace and justice. Communication, exhortation, persuasion, instruction, celebration, warning: graphic art broadcasts its messages through bold images and striking designs.”
CSPG is ensuring that the transmission of these graphics continue long past their creation. I suggest checking them out at www.politcalgraphics.org, and supporting the Center and the important art hosted within their walls.