About

'Propaganda?' considers the varied approaches of politically motivated art. From the traditional forms of painting and sculpture, to mass media such as prints, posters, banners and photography, art has often been used to express the ideology of the state, promote the views of specific groups, criticise the status quo or document events. The exhibition features a number of works in socialist realist styles from China, Vietnam and North Korea (DPRK), as well as print and photo-based works that utilise text, collage and documentary imagery.

Works that draw upon earlier forms of political art to make their point, often in humorous or ironic ways, are central to the exhibition. They demonstrate that political art has a recognisable aesthetic that functions independently of specific political positions and events, allowing for a wide range of interpretations and contexts.