There are those temporary art exhibits that come around every fear years with a political message. However, not many are as blatantly obvious as the one in the temporary exhibition, Avant-Garde in Everyday Life. The show, which has recently left the museum, is a look at the development of art by the Avant-Garde during the early 20th century. It follows the steps by six influential artists of how the art changed from simple texts to some of the most powerful artworks that fueled the rise of Communism and Nazism.
The gallery is a two chambered show. The first area works as an antechamber, showing how ads and instructional manuals changed during this time period. They evoked emotion, using flashy words and enticing images to get people involved with the product.
The second room, though, is artwork from the Communist party illustrating how a strong Soviet Union would be good for the people. It also shows how people working for the government makes them feel better. There are kids exercising, building strength to power the Iron Curtain.
These eventually influence the German Dada movement. They start producing art that portrays the Nazi party in good light. There are photos of how racial profiling will make for a better future. There are pamphlets of how Aryans are always happier and better than the regular people. These photos spurred the Nazi regimes popularity.
The Avant-Garde in Everyday Life exhibit is a valuable, educational exhibit that allows the viewer to understand how powerful art could potentially be. It portrays how dangerous art can be in the hands of the right people.
