Propaganda and Modern art

Propaganda is biased information used to promote politics or a point of view. Italian in origin, from modern Latin congregatio de propaganda fide (congregation for propagation of the faith). The first noted use of propaganda was back in 1622, by a catholic church, when Pope Gregory XV appointed Rome the congregation for the propagation of faith.

Propaganda posters date back to 1914, when governments not only used them to promote political causes but also to recruit men to obtain enough money to support military campaigns. Germany, Italy and the Uk used posters for the recruitment of soldiers, with slogans such as ''Join your country's army''.
A very popular poster, very much known to graphic design is the uncle Sam poster, pointing his finger and telling his audience of young men ''I want YOU for US army''. During the war millions were spent on advertising and it is said that many of the graphic designers believed true, the messages they were putting forward.

Uncle Sam propaganda poster for soldier recruitment

The working class used the poster as a form of rebellion against the rich. From the early 20th century, modern art started to take its toll on posters. They were using poster as a means of channeling their inspiration.



Guity Novin, (may 1st 2012) A history of Graphic Design. [ONLINE] Available at: <http://guity-novin.blogspot.com/2010/05/chapter-29-propaganda-posters.html.> [Accessed 25 November 2013].