Grey Gallery Look and Look Again
Modern Iranian Art
Revolutionary Posters
Raised fists, c. 1979
Look:
In this powerfully evocative poster we see the silhouettes of what appear to be several protestors with their fists raised creating a long black outline set to a bright red background. Inside of the silhouette and in accordance to it’s shape, are the words “There is no God but God” transcribed in Arabic with a bold white font. At first glance this poster seems almost to have designed to peak my interest as I am fascinated by street art both in it’s ability to create powerful images rooted in simplicity and style, as well as it’s implementation of words to add context and a message to the chosen aesthetic, both of which are elements this poster displays to great affect.
Look Again:
Further inspection of the image and a deeper understanding of it’s historical context add significance to some of the subtler choices made by the artist. For instance, this being a poster that is created in order to spur the people into some type of action, it would make sense that the people be portrayed not as individuals but rather as a unit brought together by a common message. A common message that calls for the defense of a belief that this image suggests is a part of the people, as the affirmation of their faith is in this poster transcribed onto the people joining them with their cause. The powerful choice of coloring, what with the sharp contrast, add to the aesthetic as well as the political effect, as these could be considered “violent” colors.
