Daily Heller by Steven Heller - Moribund Art Returns

Oh nyet, not again! The second unfortunate thing about a possible reprise of the Cold War with Russia is the return of Socialist Realism parodies. A recent cover of The Economist (above) featuring Putin liberally borrows from the Lenin poster (below). It's not that the former is inappropriate; it's just so unimaginatively retro. If the incursion into Georgia does erupt into a real cold war, how about we keep Socialist Realism on ice?

Illustration | Magazines | Propaganda

8/28/2008 6:01:17 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Comments [3]

8/28/2008 10:39:39 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

I understand your point and may even agree to some degree. However, as I considered your post, the fact that this retro piece is such an obvious parody only further enhances the message. It unabashedly slaps you in the face with the thought, "Here we go again!" and I think that may be the point. The possibility of modern Cold War issues with Russia and the retro graphics represented - "Been there, done that" - are both reminders of how history just keeps repeating itself.

Just another opinion...

The Brain |brianAT NOSPAMfccenter dot net

8/28/2008 1:23:44 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

I agree with The Brain. This is a serious issue and the retro parody reinforces the importance. However, I think the word "borrows" is too mild. The retro feel could be accomplished without quite so much "borrowing".

ttime

ttime |swickhansenAT NOSPAMcomcast dot net

8/28/2008 10:42:26 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

I agree with both of the previous posts. I don't see anything wrong with Socialist Realism though..enlighten me?

Tyler |depha4AT NOSPAMgmail dot com

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