Module 1 Discussion: What is Art?

Can art be used for propaganda purposes?

Yes, art can be used for propaganda purposes. As I was doing research, I came across an
article that talks about all the different ways art can be used as propaganda. Some of the ways are
in paintings, sculptures, architecture, metalwork, and drawings. The artist can make the art
portray a specific message that they want to get across to others. Propaganda has existed through
art since before the invention of writing. For example, Egyptians had used hieroglyphics as
writing. A philosopher named Alain de Botton said that art is propaganda for things that actually
matter. For example, the way people live rather than the way people think that we should live.
We have all seen propaganda art in our history class. I’m sure everyone remembers the poster
that was used for World War l. The “I Want You for U.S. Army Enlist Now” with Uncle Sam on
it pointing his finger at the viewer trying to get people to join the war. There was also the one
with the woman on it flexing that said, “We Can Do It!”. That poster was called Rosie the
Riveter, and it was trying to get women to join the World War ll efforts in the factories. There
was a ton more art propaganda during the World Wars those are just a few examples. We see
propaganda in art all the time, so yes art can be used for propaganda purposes.

   
Links to picture
https://wargaming.com/en/news/world_war_propaganda_posters/ (Links to an external site.)
https://owlcation.com/humanities/How-has-art-been-used-as-propaganda (Links to an external
site.)
Research links
https://artsandculture.google.com/usergallery/UQICcZwn6-CgJw (Links to an external site.)
https://owlcation.com/humanities/How-has-art-been-used-as-propaganda (Links to an external
site.)
https://www.vancouverbiennale.com/can-public-art-change-a-community-an-exploration-of-art-
as-social-innovation/ (Links to an external site.)