The Graphic Imperative shocks and awes
Published: Apr 30, 2009
Talented graphic artists are usually commended for their work. So why do posters in the Museum of Design Atlanta’s latest exhibit, “The Graphic Imperative,” have so many people cringing?
Their controversial subjects can be difficult to take in, but you will find it hard to look away.
One poster portrays a woman laughing. Harmless enough, unless you get a good look at her teeth, which are actually cigarette butts. It’s not attractive, but then again, that’s the point of the shocking anti-smoking advertisement.
Another poster features the world wearing breathing missiles through a gas mask. It was designed as a response to the invasion of Iraq in 2003. A 1986 poster turned the African continent into a black skull, giving voice on the anti-apartheid movement.
Posters such as these have people buzzing about the Graphic Imperative.
The exhibit explores the role of graphic design within sociopolitical and environmental movements from 1965 to 2005, according to curators Elizabeth Resnick and Chad Maviyane-Davis of the Massachusetts College of Art and Frank Baseman of Philadelphia University.
Themes throughout the exhibit focus on racism, liberation, sexism, human rights, civil rights, environmental and health concerns, AIDS, war, literacy and tolerance. Resnick, Maviyane-Davis and Baseman’s intention with the exhibit was to argue that it is possible to incite change through creativity.
Viewing posters on such a massive scale (there are 121 on display), combined with the collection’s divisive subjects is somewhat overwhelming — but that was the goal. Each poster is unique in size, colors, language and its ultimate purpose. Visitors will find themselves stopping to stare at every poster as each elicits a different response.
One of the most interesting things about the exhibit is how 40-year-old messages are still relevant today.
The Graphic Imperative begins May 19 and ends Aug.15. The exhibit is located in the Museum of Design Atlanta – a Smithsonian Institution affiliate dedicated to the showcasing of design — at the Marriott Marquis Tower II.
- by Christine Foster, Atlanta Reporter for HelloMetro
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