When one speaks of retro art, images of art styles derived from advertising and propaganda posters from 1930s to 1960s usually flood the mind. The simple graphics made from oil paints reflect the less advanced technology of that time. This period is also a time of significant turbulence in our modern history, when major events such as the rise of communism and World Wars were taking ground. It is then not surprising that many posters serve as propaganda tools for the ruling governments. These propaganda images eventually contributed to the development of different retro art styles.
Many of the following retro art pieces that you will see are actual posters produced during those time. We’ve searched a couple of sources to compile a great list of retro art styles comprising not only of propaganda art pieces, but also a few other kind such as advertising posters. In addition, we have separated these pieces into two main categories, Western and Chinese retro art. Full list after jump.
The West: Retro Posters from the West
Here we have Soviet posters during the rise of communism as well as propaganda posters during World War II. There are also some miscellaneous ones like film and product ads, along with some retro-inspired art.
The Power of Propaganda: Wartime Posters
Syd Mead Concept Design for US Steel
Soviet Flag Over the Reichstag
We Will Not Allow This to Happen Again!
Great Stalin is A Flag of the USSR’s Friendship
Everything for the Victory – Women of USSR for the Front
Liberated woman – Build Up Socialism!
1953 Advertising Calendar for Hotpoint Appliances
The East: The Chinese Art of Propaganda
As a result of over 5,000 years of China’s history and culture, Chinese art has always been uniquely different from the West. Here you will see how traditonal Chinese art evolved into retro art that still maintains its distinct culture while incorporating Western art elements to spread communism.
Revolutionary Committees are Good
The Working Class is the Main Force in the Campaign
Win Honor for Our Great Leader Chairman Mao
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army
Learn from the Spirit of Daqing
We’ll Definitely Beat the World Record
The Chinese People are Not Easily Humiliated
Smash the Old World; Establish the New World
Brilliant Light of the Red Sun
I Love the Blue Sky of Motherland
Art Comes From Life’s Struggles
These propaganda artworks were collected from Life.com, Flickr, Crestock, kaladarshan, Chinese Poster Online and other websites.
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Posted by hongkiat in Inspiration , at 10.06.09
Tags: artwork, chinese, east, history, oriental, poster, retro, west |
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Comments
Sid Burgess October 6th, 2009
I loved this list my friend. I especially love the “We Can Do It” poster. I am going to see if I can incorporate that into my site somehow. Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyFixonet.com October 6th, 2009
love this ,,, awesome collection man,,,
Nice post …
ReplyJuan October 6th, 2009
Great List… a nice little history lesson.
ReplyBebopDesigner October 7th, 2009
Brilliant collection! Love them. Always had a thing for the Soviet ones. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyEduardo Capatello Demiroren October 7th, 2009
great sharing,good job
thank you very much
ReplyJagoan SEO October 7th, 2009
thanks for share bro
ReplyFreeU$ October 7th, 2009
nice and great sharing,visit your blog and i fall in love with it!cheers!
ReplyYILKA October 7th, 2009
Special and historic collection, cheers!
ReplyTech Tips October 7th, 2009
Thanks for sharing , Pics looking great
ReplyCarson Shold October 8th, 2009
These are great! I wish you saw more posters like this today – I miss the propaganda haha.
ReplyRahul Chowdhury October 8th, 2009
Good work man, really a very good collection.
Replydubai holidays October 8th, 2009
hi..
Replythis is awesome and interesting picture thanks for sharing with us..
Allan October 9th, 2009
I love retro’s and I love watching them. Barely see this images, thanks!
ReplyCustom t-shirts October 9th, 2009
Great work buddy, you have really a great collection, thanks for sharing with us. Keep it up
Replyyoyomandroid October 11th, 2009
This is super funtastic! Thanks Hongkiat! :XD
ReplyIVAN October 11th, 2009
wow! .. superb ♥
ReplyRollom October 12th, 2009
Thanks Hongkiat,I love them very much,the picts are very great!
ReplyMia October 12th, 2009
This was by far one of the best collections I have seen lately – better than a museum without screaming kids around ( but then again : I always find some of the best stuff here on your site :) I loved the one of Himmler ( is it ? ) w/ the monocle & the executed man in the monocle’s reflection – Awesome poster ! The entire list was SUPERB ! Thank you once again for your efforts :)
Replyplywood chennai October 13th, 2009
Wonderful collection and Amazing designs
Replylalu bihar October 13th, 2009
pretty boring pics……most of them are from depression era, politically motivated…..not my taste !!
ReplyAero October 16th, 2009
History repeats itself in this page. Thank you very much for sharing this great works.
Replyfun games for kids October 19th, 2009
Great list!! I like the “Retro never dies”. Btw, what is that “Reach out and touch someone”? Is that a computer or some communication device?
ReplyMountain Pixel October 27th, 2009
Fantastic collection there. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyFact & Fun November 7th, 2009
LOL it was very funny I enjoyed it :) thanks for sharing you make my day …I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Replyplywood india November 9th, 2009
It is a wonderful collection -historic-artworks thanks for sharing
Replyfafa November 16th, 2009
mmnmbuy aion gold
Replyseo faqs November 21st, 2009
Excellent art collection looks wonderful
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