John Heartfield

John Heartfield's life is an inspiration to any political activist, whether he or she is an artist or not. Speaking out against war is difficult. It is especially tough during World War's One and Two since nationalism was very strong at that time. However, he was a man without a home since he fled to various countries including Czechoslavakia, England, and the United States. However, he pressed on with his criticisms. He was brave enough to face Hitler for what he was and scold those Germans who claimed to not have any idea about what was going on.

I believe the photomontages through the Dada movement were a great way at conveying a message. The photomontage represents chaos; there is so much going on and it portrays so many different aspects of what is wrong. Photomontages are also great since they do not stick to just one font or image. There are varoius points of focus and the more unique a font or image is the better. They are like puzzle pieces that do not match, but still fit within the theme.

I was never really aware before of the political satire that took place during World War Two. It makes sense that it would exist in the United States, but it is interesting to see it from a person who was a German citizen. I was shocked to find that he was placed in an internment camp. I am aware that some Germans were placed in them because of suspicion, but it was clear that he was in no way a Nazi sympathizer. I feel like this would anger Heartfield and I wonder if he expressed any rage towards the internment camps through his art.

The image attached is a "Dada Photomontage" by John Heartfield himself and it is from the year 1917. I believe these photomontages were a good at portraying what their group is about and catching someone's attention.