As an individual with absolutely no interest in politics and their associated idealogies/movements, I’ve however always had a curious fascination with Chinese Propaganda posters; simply because there is a wealth of really good art going on. Two particular aspects impress me – the technical excellence of the painting/illustrations, and the splendid framing and composition of the human subject matter to create striking, eye-catching imagery.

With his smooth, warm, ruddy face which radiated light in all directions, Chairman Mao Zedong was a fixture in Chinese propaganda posters produced between the birth of the People’s Republic in 1949 and the early 1980s.

Chairman Mao, portrayed as a stoic superhero (aka the Great Teacher, the Great Leader, the Great Helmsman, the Supreme Commander), appeared in all kinds of situations (inspecting factories, smoking a cigarette with peasant workers, standing by the Yangzi River in a bathrobe, presiding over the bow of a ship, or floating over a sea of red flags), flanked by strong, healthy, ageless men and “masculinized” women and children wearing baggy, sexless, drab clothing. The goal of each poster was to show the Chinese people what sort of behavior was considered morally correct and how great the future of Communist China would be if everyone followed the same path toward utopia by uniting together.

This book brings together a selection of colorful propaganda artworks and cultural artifacts from Max Gottschalk’s vast collection of Chinese propaganda posters, many of which are now extremely rare.

(above right) The strong, idealized poses of the human characters portrayed remind me of J.C. Leyendecker’s work.

I’ve noticed 2 primary distinct art styles used in the posters; one which is rendered in a more realistic and painterly style ( image below ), and another utilizing more of a “superflat” style, with more simplified and illustrative, graphic art look ( above left ).

This huge hardcover volume by Taschen is a fantastic exploration of Chinese propaganda posters with over 300 pages of beautifully reproduced paintings and illustrations. This is an easy recommendation from me for anyone with a particular interest in this genre of art.

“Chinese Propaganda Posters ( Taschen )” details :

– Dimensions – 10.43 x 12.2 x 13.54 inches
– Hard cover, 319 pages
– Full color

Buy From Amazon CA | Amazon JP | Amazon UK | Amazon FR | Amazon IT | Amazon DE | Amazon ES

You might also be interested in these items :