The Graphic Imperative:

International Posters for Peace, Social Justice, and the Environment, 1965-2005

The poster is the prime field for experimenting with visual language. It is the scene of changing ideas and aesthetics, of cultural, social and political events.

–Pierre Bernard, French designer

The Graphic Imperative is a select retrospective of forty years of international sociopolitical posters. Themes include dissent, liberation, racism, sexism, human rights, civil rights, environmental and health concerns, AIDS, war, literacy, and tolerance, and collectively provide a glimpse into an age of profound change. The 111 posters in this exhibition emphasize the issues of our turbulent times and endeavor to show the social, political, and aesthetic concerns of many cultures and divergent political realities.

The Graphic Imperative is organized by Elizabeth Resnick, Chaz Maviyane-Davies and Frank Baseman in collaboration with the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, supported in part by The Massachusetts College of Art and Design Foundation and Philadelphia University. The Spencer Museum of Art venue is supported by Richard and Virginia Nadeau, and John and Nancy Hiebert.

In conjunction with the exhibition, organizing institution the Massachusetts College of Art created an in-depth website:

• www.thegraphicimperative.org

Public Programs

9.12

It Starts with Art!: Children's art appreciation classes for ages 5-14 / Peace Out!

10:30 AM & 1:30 PM /

Explore the power of posters as you look at a vast selection of international protest posters from the 1960s and beyond. Experiment with block printing. / Instructor: Brock Potucek / $ / To enroll, contact SMA Education Department, 785.864.0137 or smakids@ku.edu, or visit the Spencer's website to enroll online. / In conjunction with the exhibition The Graphic Imperative: International Posters for Peace, Social Justice, and the Environment, 1965-2005

10.16

Workshop: Act Out Art In An art-into-theater workshop for ages 11-16

10 AM - 4 PM / SMA Central Court

Co-sponsored with the Lawrence Youth Ensemble / Students explore the power of the protest poster as a tool to agitate, educate, and inspire as they study an exhibition of international protest posters. Students respond to the images using improvisation and role-play to create theatrical scenarios and characters. Elements of set-design and art direction in addition to dramaturgy feature strongly in this day-long workshop. Students may choose which area they wish to focus on so backstage talent is also needed! At 4:30 PM, students will give a public performance of an original 15-minute play that they will create during the workshop. / Pre-registration required / $ / Contact SMA Education Department, 785.864.0137 or smakids@ku.edu / In conjunction with the exhibition The Graphic Imperative: International Posters for Peace, Social Justice, and the Environment, 1965-2005