“I think I was trying to suggest something about the duality of
man...the Jungian thing, sir.”
- Private Joker Full Metal Jacket
The Posters of Discontent is a political poster art exhibit running from August 27th to October 9th at the University Gallery on the Eastern Michigan University campus. The opening reception is Wednesday, September 10, 4-7 PM. Professor Andrew Maniotes will give a gallery talk at 6 PM.
Poster design has a rich history tied to politics and activism. Be it a strong Rosie the Riveter stating “We Can Do It” and rolling her sleeves up to help production for World War II, the authoritative patriotism of Mao’s China, the remembrance of revolutionary leader Che Guevara, or Sheppard Fairy asking us repeatedly just who and what it is that we tend to blindly “Obey,” we have witnessed political posters attain a level of iconic stature and find a distinct voice.
The last eight years have been a tumultuous time in history and politics. We have seen major upheavals in America and abroad following 9/11, which had large scale governmental and military actions as a result. As we saw in Vietnam, times of war, especially the more publicly disapproved wars, tend to bring out the poster makers to voice opinions and often make the public question the official policies and status quo. I wished this show to be a similar visual call to arms. This show and catalog serve as a snap shot of contemporary political issues.
I approached designers with a history of political activism, such as Milton Glaser, David Tartakover and Jonathan Barnbrook. Others were asked based on a large body of poster work like Brian Chippendale and Jen McKnight. The designers were instructed to submit new or old work of a political or social nature of their choosing. In most cases, I had no idea what subject they would address or what stance on the issue they would take.
I was pleased to find designers in seven countries who wished to participate, and the show is stronger as a result of this national and cultural variety. All the designers have my thanks for their efforts and the generous donation of the posters to Eastern Michigan University’s permanent art collection, which will be a great boon to our students.
Many thanks to my colleagues in the art department who encouraged me to put this show together. Gallery Director Larry Newhouse and Michelle Hartung provided expertise in hanging the exhibition while Dr. Julia Myers edited the catalog. I am grateful to Kristy Cooper for her design collaboration and web development expertise in creating this site.
It is my desire that students will take something from the experience. Whether one agrees or disagrees with the various works, we urge the student to become more involved and add to the dialogue. Visual artists should produce their own work and start their own dialogues.
Above all else, make your voting choices wisely.