Communist Posters

The governments of Russia, Cuba, China, and the Czech Republic were heavily influenced by Communism during the 1900’s, and the political structure quickly spread to regions of Africa, the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and the Soviet Union after 1950. Communist posters became strategic tools to unite and recruit converts to socialism and Marxism, despite the catastrophic consequences this form of government had for its people.

Looking at a typical Communist poster, one can see great disparity between the intended conditions party leaders envisioned for the country and the reality of life under Communist rule for working class citizens. Weak economies, widespread famine, martial law, and military destruction were constant burdens to socialism’s progress in countries under the influence of Communism.

These political systems were routinely characterized by suspicion, corruption, and persecution, and many civil liberties, including the freedom of speech and the right to choose a religion, were abandoned or severely limited in socialist states. Communist posters, however, show only strong industries, fertile agricultures, and the cultural pride and progress that such strong nationalism was meant to produce.

Street artists have been quick to realize a potential for re-developing these original themes inherent in a Communist poster, using its symbolism to take the art form in new directions. One brilliant example is Shepherd Fairey’s recent work that resembles the style and character of political posters made decades ago. His “Hope” poster was an effective promotional tool used during the Obama presidential campaign, and earned Fairey a measure of respect as a poster artist.

Since then, there has been an increased awareness of nostalgic political posters in general, and Communist posters are excellent examples of the style, offering viewers a glimpse of important political figures that swayed public opinion in their favour to build their Communist ranks from the ashes of war.

There are still Communist societies in China, Cuba, Vietnam, and North Korea who subscribe to socialism’s economic and political values. Additionally, there are individual parties that favour socialist and Communist policies as an alternative to capitalism. The Communist poster, then, is just as relevant in certain parts of the world as it was fifty years ago.