The work of John Heartfield, or Helmut Herzfeld, may just be my favorite work we have reviewed so far. It may be that I enjoy his work especially only because I find the time period of his life fascinating, but I seem to really enjoy most art from the 1940’s, especially WWII propaganda art. While most war-time art unveiled during this time of political and militaristic tension dealt with the glorification and morale of one’s own nationality, Heartfield (himself a German) created works that in turn denounced the leadership and political structure of his own nation; a bold move for a German-raised man at the time, especially considering he actually served in the German military for some time. While most propaganda art used bright coloring and depicted times of peace Heartfield’s work gives off a darker and more sinister feeling, though surprisingly at times still keeping his work beautiful in a way, in attempt to undermine the Nazi regime. I especially enjoy the piece in which he depicts parts of guns and axes in the form of a swastika.
Heartfield also contributed much to Dada movement as well, and I also like this work of his, though not as much as his propaganda works; I suppose the two art forms could be considered cousins, as they draw out similar moods within an audience.
The piece I posted I chose (Unknown Artist) because I thought it was a good comparison to both Heartfield’s war propaganda work as well as his less direct Dada work .
Heartfield also contributed much to Dada movement as well, and I also like this work of his, though not as much as his propaganda works; I suppose the two art forms could be considered cousins, as they draw out similar moods within an audience.
The piece I posted I chose (Unknown Artist) because I thought it was a good comparison to both Heartfield’s war propaganda work as well as his less direct Dada work .
I was also surprised about the fact that Heartfield was a German himself, and he had the will and courage to protest against his own like that. People like that are truly remembered for their actions because they are not scared to speak the truth about what is wrong in the world. I guess this is the new trend in the Contemporary art, where people learn to push the bully away and scream to the world, with art, that they are not afraid.
ReplyDeleteI like how at the top of your chosen piece it says "Big brother is watching," and then at the bottom it reads "God is power." It's almost as if it was meant to convey similar messeges.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a really interesting comparison between WWII propaganda and Heartfield's work. I find it fascinating how artists can use certain war posters and images to glorify a truly tragic and dangerous time for so many people. In a way, Heartfield's more sinister, dark images were much more real to the emotions and cultures behind the war.
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