The lines between art and propaganda are often blurred by the uncertain intent of the creator. Historically art has been an essential part in nation building and developing a cultural identity, likewise, propaganda seeks to specifically those goals but with less emphasis on the pure aesthetic of the piece. The recent resurgence in popularity of Socialist Realist paintings further obscures the differences as billionaires garner as many pieces as they can in an effort to preserve part of their national and artistic history. Some curators such as Rena Lavery believe that the pieces should be considered outside of their historical context saying, “When you’re born is when you’re born; if you have a gift you have a gift.” Others do not believe that the paintings are simply an expression of art, but part of a mass campaign to assimilate cultures into the singular identity of the Soviet Bloc. While the paintings were made in the very early 20th century, communism and the Soviet Union are still recent phenomenons in the context of former Soviet states. Perhaps as time continues to heal wounds, people will become more accepting of the paintings as works of art with specific goal in mind rather than outright agents of manipulation.
Conversely, Brian McCarty's work has seen the opposite effect, whereby his photographs which were intended to be art have been intercepted and construed to seem as if they were promotions for ISIS. The circumstances are unfortunate as McCarty's livelihood and identity are being outright stolen, yet he cannot file a copyright claim against a group of terrorists. His attempts to remove the image was in vain as it kept reappearing. The fiasco shows that there can be a difference between art and propaganda. While McCarty's original work was political in nature, it was not intended to be propaganda to support a single nation, group, or ideology, instead it presented a more generic longing for peace by exposing the horrors of war. ISIS's reinterpretation was much more geared towards the promotion of a single group, evidenced by the use of text, logos, and iconography. Instead of making a general statement about war or the human condition, the stolen image portrays a clear one-sided goal, to draw more support towards ISIS.
The two examples suggest that art and propaganda are not subsets of one another, but instead two categories which share certain aspects. In the case of Socialist Realism, propaganda might be viewed as a type of art movement while also fulfilling its purpose as propaganda. McCarty ,however, suggests that there are still distinct differences between the fields which allow them to remain separate entitles.
Conversely, Brian McCarty's work has seen the opposite effect, whereby his photographs which were intended to be art have been intercepted and construed to seem as if they were promotions for ISIS. The circumstances are unfortunate as McCarty's livelihood and identity are being outright stolen, yet he cannot file a copyright claim against a group of terrorists. His attempts to remove the image was in vain as it kept reappearing. The fiasco shows that there can be a difference between art and propaganda. While McCarty's original work was political in nature, it was not intended to be propaganda to support a single nation, group, or ideology, instead it presented a more generic longing for peace by exposing the horrors of war. ISIS's reinterpretation was much more geared towards the promotion of a single group, evidenced by the use of text, logos, and iconography. Instead of making a general statement about war or the human condition, the stolen image portrays a clear one-sided goal, to draw more support towards ISIS.
The two examples suggest that art and propaganda are not subsets of one another, but instead two categories which share certain aspects. In the case of Socialist Realism, propaganda might be viewed as a type of art movement while also fulfilling its purpose as propaganda. McCarty ,however, suggests that there are still distinct differences between the fields which allow them to remain separate entitles.