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Brief History of Art in U.S. Elections: American Politics from Franklin to Trump
“The arts and sciences, essential to the prosperity of the state and to the ornament and happiness of human life, have a primary claim to the encouragement of every lover of his country and mankind.” – George Washington
BY JEREMY BROWN
From the ornate lithographs of the 19th century to the viral memes of today, art has been an indispensable weapon in the battle for political power in the United States. Campaign posters, political cartoons, and modern digital graphics have all played crucial roles in swaying public opinion and crafting candidates’ images. This article explores how art has been used to influence American politics, examining its evolution from early satire to contemporary digital media, and critiquing the effectiveness of iconic political art across history.
Early Political Cartoons: Satire as a Sword and Shield
The power of art in American politics began with the sharp pen of Benjamin Franklin. In 1754, Franklin’s “Join, or Die” cartoon wasn’t just a call for unity among the American colonies—it was a masterstroke of political propaganda that used a simple, yet striking visual to convey a complex message. The fragmented snake, a symbol of disunity, was a radical departure from the traditional written appeals of the time, showcasing art’s potential to drive political narratives.
Fast forward to the 19th century, and Thomas Nast, the father of American political cartoons, wielded his brush like a sword against the corrupt political machine of Tammany Hall. Nast’s caricatures of Boss Tweed are legendary for their biting humor and stark visuals, portraying Tweed as a bloated, greedy figure in league with a corrupt system.
His work was so impactful that it led directly to the fall of Tweed and the Tammany Hall political machine. This era demonstrated that political art could not only influence but also dismantle entrenched power structures.
Campaign Posters: From Simple Slogans to Iconic Imagery
As the 20th century rolled in, campaign art evolved into a more sophisticated and strategic weapon. The poster for Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1932 campaign, with its optimistic slogan “Happy Days Are Here Again,” wasn’t just a piece of art—it was a declaration of hope during the Great Depression. The vibrant colors and cheerful message of the poster were crafted to offer Americans a vision of a brighter future, a technique that would become a staple in political campaigns.
One cannot discuss campaign art without acknowledging the “Hope” poster by Shepard Fairey for Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign. This iconic piece, with its striking red, white, and blue color scheme and the powerful word “Hope” emblazoned beneath Obama’s face, became a global symbol of the candidate’s vision for change.
The poster’s impact was so profound that it was featured in the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, cementing its place in the annals of political art history. However, critics argue that while the poster inspired hope, it was also criticized for oversimplifying complex political issues into a single, digestible image.
Art of Emotions: Feel It!
The evolution of campaign art didn’t stop at posters. Ronald Reagan’s 1984 “Morning in America” ad is a prime example of art being effectively used to convey the feeling of prosperity and inspire voters. The ad’s serene imagery of American landscapes paired with a hopeful soundtrack aimed to create a vision of a revitalized, unified nation. Of course, Reagan’s political opponents argued that the ad was a masterclass in using artistic imagery to gloss over the more challenging realities of the era, including the Cold War.
Contrast this with Lyndon B. Johnson’s “Daisy Girl” ad from 1964, which used a haunting visual metaphor to portray the existential threat of nuclear annihilation. The image of a little girl counting daisies, abruptly interrupted by a nuclear explosion, was a visceral attempt to frighten voters into supporting Johnson over Barry Goldwater. The ad’s stark imagery and emotional appeal made it one of the most controversial and memorable political advertisements in U.S. history.
The Digital Revolution: Social Media and the Meme Wars
Entering the 21st century, the digital age transformed political art into an interactive and viral phenomenon. Social media platforms became the new battlegrounds where political art competed for attention in an ever-crowded space. Memes, with their ability to spread quickly and engage users on a personal level, became a potent tool for political messaging.
During the 2016 presidential election, the use of memes was instrumental in shaping public perceptions. Donald Trump’s campaign harnessed the power of digital art with viral content like the infamous “Trump Train” meme, which portrayed Trump as a powerful force barreling toward victory. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton’s campaign struggled with a series of less memorable and less impactful visual messages, failing to capitalize on the same level of digital engagement. The contrast highlighted how digital art and memes could make or break a campaign in the internet age.
Art as Protest: A Platform for Dissent
“Pepe the Frog,” originally a non-political cartoon character created by Matt Furie, gained unexpected prominence in U.S. politics, particularly during the 2016 presidential election, when millions of dissatisfied voters used this artistic image as an act of disobedience, “trolling” the established candidates in favor of Donald Trump. Pepe’s image went viral and was widely shared across various online platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and others.
While many used it in light-hearted or humorous contexts, others, including some associated with the alt-right, adopted Pepe as a symbol. This appropriation sparked controversy around the limits of free speech, as Pepe became linked to highly divisive political rhetoric. Efforts by Furie and others to reclaim Pepe as a non-political meme faced challenges due to its entrenched associations. The phenomenon highlighted broader debates about internet culture, freedom of expression, and the unintended consequences of online symbolism in contemporary political discourse in America.
Similarly, the enigmatic and controversial England-based street artist and political activist, Banksy, has captivated the American audience with his provocative murals. His politically charged artworks often target the United States and its allies, critiquing capitalism, surveillance, and immigration policies.
Banksy’s art exemplifies how street art can serve as a potent form of civilian protest and social commentary. By challenging viewers to think critically about the status quo, Banksy engages the American audience in uncomfortable discussions about political and social issues.
Freedom: The Enduring Power of Art in American Politics
From Benjamin Franklin’s revolutionary cartoons to the viral memes of today’s elections, art has been a potent force in American politics. It has shaped public opinion, elevated political debates, and influenced election outcomes across centuries. While the methods and mediums have evolved, the core function of art as a vehicle for political expression and persuasion remains unchanged.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that art will continue to play a vital role in the democratic process. Whether through traditional forms like posters and cartoons or through innovative digital platforms and artificial intelligence, the art of politics will remain a dynamic and influential force, reflecting the aspirations and conflicts of each new era. In the end, the history of political art is not just a chronicle of campaigns and candidates but a testament to the enduring power of creativity in the pursuit of power and justice.
“I see little of more importance to the future of our country and our civilization than full recognition of the place of the artist.” – John F. Kennedy
Special thanks to Jason Heuser for granting The World Art News permission to use his political artworks. For more of Jason’s art, please visit JasonHeuser.com
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