Political posters, both domestic and international, frequently appropriate highly marketed Hollywood images to target controversial issues. At first glance, the graphic attracts the viewer because it appears familiar. Upon looking again, the viewer is enticed to examine more closely and hopefully begin to analyze the content. Reel to Real features posters that use well-known movie themes and imagery to tackle ongoing struggles for social change at home and abroad. They employ satire, mockery and various devices to draw attention to current issues. Posters often ask rhetorical questions, and political ‘movie’ posters answer lavishly. Some are amusing while others are outrageous, and they are often quite over the top. Whether they are protesting the Viet Nam war, exposing Contra-Gate, or drawing our attention to sweatshop labor, these posters provide an offbeat alternative view of reality.

This online exhibition has been made possible with support from The Andy Warhol Foundation; Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles; The James Irvine Foundation; The Getty Foundation; The Los Angeles County Arts Commission; and The John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation.

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