Art and Propaganda in the Twentieth Century

In this wide-ranging book, author Toby Clark examines work from all points of the globe, from the state propaganda of communism to the public art of democracies, from protest art of the 1960’s to the efforts of artists in the nations of modern Africa. Beginning with the classic propaganda art of Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy and Stalin’s Soviet Union – each with its own styles, motives, and purposes – he then examines how democratic governments have also sponsored propaganda art, especially in wartime, exploring such problematic issues as the representation of enemies and the commemoration of the dead. Art created in opposition to ruling ideas and values may also fall under the rubric of propaganda. Since the beginning of the twentieth century radical artists have embraced revolutionary, pacifist, amininist, and anti-colonial causes. Clark describes the spectrum of competing theories and goals of protest art from Africa to Latin America, from Europe to the United States to China, and uncovers the complex rhetoric, the high beauty, and the ambiguous role of art that dwells in the political realm. The book features 108 illustrations (including 78 in full color), a bibliography, and a timeline.