A little-known fascination of mine, is a curiosity and appreciation of Propaganda Art.
In the Socialist states of the former Soviet Union, China and Cuba, Propaganda Art, especially in the form of posters, flourished because the combined artistic talent of the countries' artists were reaped to publicise all that was good about the Marxist way.
China had Mao plastered all over the country. The USSR, the moustachio-ed Lenin and Stalin. And Cuba, well, a trip to Bangkok's Chatuchak Market would attest to the almost Canonization of Che Guevera, CIA-executed and trusted lieutenant of Fidel Castro. I think Mr Guevera is the Bob Marley of Socialism due to his iconic popularity.
My interest in Prop-Art is not so much in the ideology it hopes to transmit. But in its use of designs, colors and imagination to convey ideas. The Cubans, to me, best embody this concept. So today when I discovered a shop that sourced for and imports original Cuban poster-prints, I was estatic.
Until I saw that they were going for SGD$120 a prop..err..I mean a pop. Without framing!
Sigh.
With Cuba - Raul Martínez, 1966
Mobile Cinema - Eduardo Muñoz Bachs, 1969
All To The Square - A. Prieto, 1970
A Forest Is Growing - Antonio Reboiro, 1967
Position 1- Eduardo Muñoz Bachs, 1967
Better Not To Be, Than Not To Be A Revolutionary - René Mederos, 1968
A Week Of Solidarity With The Peoples Of Asia - Jesus Forjans, 1967
Labels: Stuff