Heartfield Response

John Heartfield seems like a very interesting and adventurous character to me. I was almost fascinated reading about his life and was even intrigued more by how many places he took his talents, work and influences. Though his story sounds tough, I feel like he was happy doing what he wanted and pursuing and standing up for what he believed in as he had no problem fleeing the country and leaving some of his family behind. It almost seems that he did not hesitate to take action and felt very strongly about his beliefs and his work.

As the writer mentioned, John was rebellious. Once I read that, he right away fit my stereotype for artists, rebels. That is what I mostly associate artist with and many times the information I find about artists' purposes for creating art is to show discontent about something. This then brings me to think that being different helps the artists stand out and be noticed not just for pretty pictures, painting, or sculptures. Works of protesting artists tend to have more voice and opinion in them and many times turn out more original. After all, many people can paint a portrait, scenery or a war scene but for it to actually be remembered it has to make a statement.

With this, I had included one of John Heatfield’s works, “A Berlin Saying.” I can hear him making a statement against the Nazis and the work is like I had never seen before. It also is a great example of his style, photomontage.