Recommended for fifth grade and older. This exhibit is available only to the Aesthetic Education Program.

Every movement for social change in the past hundred years has begun with the arts. Theatre, poetry, music and posters have been central, but political and social posters in particular, are living reminders of struggles for peace and justice. Whether they communicate, exhort, persuade, instruct, celebrate or warn, graphic posters still jar us to action through bold messages and striking iconography.

"The Graphic Imperative" is an exhibition of international sociopolitical posters that stir our emotions yet cause us to reflect. The exhibition of examples of Agitprop provides a window to an age of change, utilizing the power of visual metaphor and at times, savage irony and humor. Themes from the past four decades include dissent, liberation, racism, sexism, human rights, civil rights, environmental concerns, AIDS, war, literacy and tolerance.

“The poster is the prime field for experimenting with visual language; it is the scene of changing ideas and aesthetics, of cultural, social and political events.” - Pierre Bernard, French designer

Schedule
Thursday, January 14-Friday, February 19, 2010
Richmond Center for Visual Arts, Western Michigan University

Admission/Fees
This exhibit is available only to the Aesthetic Education Program and is not eligible for the EFA Presents! Admission Credit.

Preview and Resources

• Artist Web Site: The Richmond Center
• Preview: Slideshow of exhibit
• Slideshow Documentation (PDF): Information about works of art included in slideshow