Discuss the role that illustration can play during periods of political/social upheaval

 "Anonymous"

After a week of considering one of the questions for the essay we were given last cop session, I
finally decided which one Im going to based my essay on during this course.

From all the questions from the list, this one is the more atractive and the one with more similarities between what can I offer  to illustration.

Is about the important role played by illustrations, when the political and social  situations in that specific country are rather chaotic and unstable. Theses illustrated images at that specific time of controversia can help society, directly or indirectly,  to 'wake up', make them aware of the issues of the country or even start a revolution if is needed. The illustrations during this harsh political situation, are filled with such a power and strong menssages, that they can change the path of a nation by make the people to gather around and being one together.


I've been researching about the question and I found some strong images that help to understand and support this question. These are some examples:

 

 

 "Alternative Banking is a group of people who are disturbed about the current state of finance and financial regulation. Many of us have experience or expertise in the financial industry and are all-too-familiar with the way that the industry exploits “dumb money” and manipulates financial regulation to its benefit. We are open to everyone who would like to understand what has gone wrong with the banking industry, Wall Street and the political and regulatory process and work to fix it."

I found this incredible collective who gathered around to create a total of 52 illustration card/deck style based on their unpleasing disagreement about the financial issues by Wall Street. The illustrations talk by themselves. Strong and aggressive message. No mercy with the content they want to express. Names and actions being illustrated  in a nasty but revolutionary way. Shameless of say it to the world. These illustrations are power to the people, feeding them with strength to fight for.

http://52shadesofgreed.com/

Rodchenko  

One of my favourites artists from the Modernism movement, and more precisely one of the foundators of the russian Constructivism. His art work was very influenced by political background and helped 'Mother Russia' to movilise  the country as 1 unique nation. Is it very interesting how graphic design at the very early stage, had a powerful media and helped to unify society, when nowadays its function passed to help marketing, advertising and brands development in general.
Different times, different ends.