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Art Review; 'Poster' Flexes Political
Muscle; An exhibition of Chicano graphic arts vividly demonstrates the
effective fusion of art, advertising and potent message.
The Los Angeles Times; Los Angeles, Calif.;
Feb 9, 2001; David Pagel.
In the popular imagination, politicians and advertising agents rank right
up there with lawyers and used-car salesmen as people who make a living
by deceiving the rest of us. More often than not, contemporary artists
are treated with equal suspicion: as charlatans who can't be trusted,
much less respected.
"Just Another Poster?: Chicano Graphic Arts in California" turns
these and other stereotypes inside out. Vividly demonstrating that art
and politics can be fused--and that art and advertising are not always
enemies--this terrific survey of more than 100 images printed over the
last 35 years by 56 artists is a testament to the power of standing up
and being counted, especially when your convictions fly in the face of
the powers that be.
Its diverse works are inspiring instances of democracy in action: unruly,
unresolved and wide open to further argument. By turns celebratory and
scathing, playful and pointed, each begins with the belief that if you
don't think for yourself, someone else will. If you think that's reassuring,
think again. Not only is it frightening, it's frighteningly un-American.
The first work you see at Santa Barbara's University Art Museum is a
blotchy field of orange, gold, pink and green smudges, across which is
printed, "This Is Just Another Poster." In the split-second
it takes to read the blurry, silhouetted letters, you're already doubting,
very
deeply, the truthfulness of the words.
As your brain whirls through its memory bank to find a place for the dubious
message, you realize that the poster resembles an optometrist's test for
depth-of-field perception. Its wispy letters create the impression that
you're seeing double or are very drunk. Blinking doesn't clear your vision
so you move in for a closer look.