SIGN OF THE TIMES

Exhibit explores the power of political posters old, new

An eye-catching mix of art and politics was on display at the Aug. 17 opening reception for "Sign of the Times, The Great American Political Poster 1844-2012." The exhibit is at the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College's Wingate Gallery through Sept. 20. The exhibit was curated by Hal Wert, collector and professor of history at the Kansas City Art Institute.

Guest speaker was Hendrix College political science professor Jay Barth. He talked about the art form and its transformation over the years. He said the earliest posters show how candidates were surrogates or representatives of their party, but helped set the stage for candidate-centered elections. "Politics now," he said, "is all about the individual and how we evaluate the individual."

Despite television and social media, he said he believes the political poster will be around a while, noting they are cheap to produce, elicit an emotional response and create a connection between the voter and the candidate.

During the reception, guests enjoyed drinks and finger foods and music by Barry McVinney on the saxophone and pianist Mark Binns.

-- Story and photos by Cary Jenkins

High Profile on 08/27/2017

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