“In light of strengthened right-wing radicalism and uprising chauvinist hatred, Heartfield’s work remains up to date till today.”
Sometime ago we had the opportunity to visit the former summer refuge of John Heartfield (1891-1968). During the Third Reich this German political artist (graphic artist, stage designer and cartoonist) used to be no. 5 on Gestapo’s most wanted list.
This is the “happiness” they’re bringing! (from: AIZ, June 1938)
John Heartfield is considered the inventor of political photo montage, collages of text and imagery found in mass-produced media, revolutionary when viewed in terms of technique and aesthetics. His powerful and satirical works in the late 1920s und 1930s became real icons in the struggle against the Nazis.
The real meaning of the Hitler salute. The little man asks for big gifts.
I’ve got millions standing behind me. (from: AIZ, October 1932)
John Heartfield was also a pacifist, and he was deeply disgusted by the fierce and unrestrained nationalism leading finally to World War I. Therefore in…
View original post 978 more words
That’s really interesting Bill. I’ve been thinking a lot about WWII these past couple of days. An only friend of mine was sailing around with some buddies in a schooner in 1960. The went from Hawaii to Tahiti and stopped at a lot of small islands. He was doing some bushwhacking, exploring around a bit and he found an undiscovered shot down Zero covered in vegetation. He took out the saki bottle, removed the ID plate off the dash, and cut out a little piece of aluminum with bullet homes in it.
He gifted them to me… man if these things could talk.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Old friend, not only. Haha.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Countless parallels speak from distant eras: reminders, harbingers, and omens. Disturbingly familiar in these mega MAGA times.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Bill, thanks for sharing the work of John Heartfield. Without a doubt, his political photo montage works of art are worth more than a thousand words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am very glad that you found John Heartfield’s creations valuable, Rosaliene. The thanks go to Suburban Tracks, but I am happy to be the messenger!
LikeLiked by 1 person