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Communist Paradise

Chinese Propaganda Posters

Chinese propaganda posters are associated with the image of Chairman Mao Zedong and the “achievements” of the Communist Party. Artists had to make depictions of what the Communist party considered the ideal of a better life and of social behavior under their Communist system.Showing economic prosperity for the peasants in the countryside and the workers in the industrial sector were paramount issues. Men and women are shown hardy and healthy with a big smile on their faces, and neatly cleaned and happily pursuing their work for a better life. Another theme in posters was depictions of an unselfish life in the service of the party, the community and the country.  People’s faces in the posters, could show with happiness and friendliness to each other or determination and hatefulness towards US and British imperialism as well as towards the “Four Old Evils” (old ideas, old culture, old customs and old habits).

About 40-50 posters covering various themes will be on display.  (From the collections of Curator of Asian Art Barry Till and UVic Professor Richard King)