The Cold War and Vietnam created tension and hostility around the world and in America; especially in the youth and civil rights activists resulting in a rise of protests. In the 1960’s-70’s sex and drugs reflected in rock music were the bases of counter culture. Hippies and Yippies preached ‘make love, not war’ (1) (Rosemont, 1965) in mass rallies. The images I have chosen to connect to my interest of practice in composition and style.
I chose this poster because it connects to my colour style. I feel the bright bold contrasts work effectively to create a sense of danger to catch your eye. Contextually and figuratively this
The Great Society -1967 (Image1)
poster evokes much meaning. I like how the process adds an extra level of depth as I do this too. The devastation of Johnson’s Great Society is shown in ‘the multi-layered complexity of the poster’s message is found in its portrayal of soldiers vs. citizens’ (2). The layering shows how the government poured resources into Vietnam which only stripped resources from social reforms in America.
‘OZ’ satirical magazine, 3rd May 1967 (Image2)
In my own work I like to use line to create a continuous visual journey which evokes meaning. The underground magazine ‘Oz’s’ use of colour and line creates a psychedelic image appealing to the student youth of the sex, drugs and rock n roll era. In this work I feel that the psychedelic style suggests a sense of free spirit as its breaking away from the norm. The repetitive line creates a visual flow mimicking the easy-going attitude of the youth. Professor Timothy Leary inspired his students to ‘turn on, tune in, drop out’ (3) (Leary, 1967) which was often interpreted as ‘do drugs’( 4).
‘Sensibility refers to an acute perception of the emotions of another’ (5). This is a famous image which shows the real brutality of what civil rights activists faced and created sensibility around the world. I think this was such an important image at the time to break the normal conventions and open people’s eyes to the fact that ‘peace does not just mean putting an end to violence or war, but to all other factors that threaten peace, such as discrimination.’(6) (Aung San Suu Kyi).
Protest observer in Birmingham, being attacked by police dogs during a civil rights protest. 3rd May 1963 (Image3)
References:
1- Creative Review. (2012). The story behind Make Love Not War. Available: https://www.creativereview.co.uk/the-story-behind-make-love-not-war/. Last accessed 26/11/17.
2- Mark Vallen. (2016). “Hey, Hey, LBJ…”. Available: http://www.art-for-a-change.com/LBJ/LBJ.htm. Last accessed 26/11/17.
3- Pat Joseph. (2015). Myth of the Dropout: “Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out” Never Really Described Berkeley Ethos. Available: https://alumni.berkeley.edu/california-magazine/spring-2015-dropouts-and-drop-ins/myth-dropout-turn-tune-drop-out-never-really. Last accessed 26/11/17.
4- Pat Joseph. (2015). Myth of the Dropout: “Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out” Never Really Described Berkeley Ethos. Available: https://alumni.berkeley.edu/california-magazine/spring-2015-dropouts-and-drop-ins/myth-dropout-turn-tune-drop-out-never-really. Last accessed 26/11/17.
5- Unknown. (2015). Sensibility. Available: http://www.artandpopularculture.com/Sensibility. Last accessed 26/11/17.
6-Unknown. (2015). 15 inspiring human rights quotes. Available: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2015/10/inspiring-human-rights-quotes/. Last accessed 26/11/17.
Images:
(1)- Anonymous. (1967). The Great Society. Available: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/95/27/b3/9527b334c2cb44b98a8b45e5d8730917.jpg. Last accessed 26/11/17.
(3)- Bill Hudson. (1963). Protest observer (Walter Gadsden, 17) in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, on 3 May 1963, being attacked by police dogs during a civil rights protest.. Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/74/Birmingham_campaign_dogs.jpg. Last accessed 26/11/17.
(2)- Martin Sharp. (1967). OZ. Available: https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/1cd00fe3e6f7675a78645fd7699fa27726e5d0ad/47_37_2461_3511/master/2461.jpg?w=300&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&s=deac6babf5babf930728cabe0f67dccd. Last accessed 26/11/17.