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PICTURE THIS The Art of Protest by Jo Rippon

Stirring images of radical poster art

PROTEST is as old as the hills, which has been where many armed groups of protesters have ended up. That's particularly been the case in the global south, where imperialism acts hand in glove and with impunity, aided by its local lackeys.

But from Cuba to Angola and Vietnam to South Africa, committed and organised freedom fighters have defeated colonialism, inspiring many a movement in the northern hemisphere, who have often offered them vital support and solidarity.

The Art of Protest charts a visual journey through more than a century of protest in the West, and none was more poignant than the US’s Colorado labour wars, a series of strikes in 1903 and 1904 by gold and silver miners, mill operatives and workers in the northern and southern coal fields. They were represented by the Western Federation of Miners, and legendary labour activist Mary “Mother” Jones led a successful campaign to bring national attention to the strike.

Struggles there were aplenty, some better known than others, and this illustrated history recovers many outstanding campaigns. Collated thematically, it features posters designed in support of momentous events from the civil-rights marches in the US to the global outcry against the Iraq war. And it covers key campaigns such such as the suffragettes of the early 20th century, the Vietnam war, nuclear disarmament, refugee rights, climate-change activism, LGBTQ campaigns and the current rallies against capitalism.

Iconic posters from world-renowned artists sit next to spontaneous artworks from short-lived print collectives and activists on the ground. Interestingly some of the latter artwork, usually by unknowns, has far more bite, immediacy and directness than that of established artists and provides a far greater visual eloquence and energy.

Each poster is accompanied by a short note broadly explaining its particular historic and political context and, at £25, the book is something of a steal. There are over 100 posters included that will provide both a boost in this era of isolation and encouragement for struggles to come.

Published by Palazzo Editions/Amnesty International, £25.

 

 

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