Meet John Heartfield, the German Visual Artist Who Pioneered the Use of Graphic Collages as a Political Weapon

Photomontage found its voice during the interwar years, thanks to the rebellious Dadaists.

Among them was John Heartfield, originally Helmut Herzfeld, who boldly adopted an English-sounding name to make a point. Through his art, he fiercely critiqued the German government, using photomontages to satirize politicians in absurd, thought-provoking ways. Heartfield’s works, crafted with scissors and glue, embraced imperfection, combining stark black-and-white imagery with surreal undertones that mirrored Magritte’s style. Even today, his provocative montages inspire artists worldwide and have graced modern CD and book covers, carrying his rebellious spirit into contemporary times.

h/t: vintag.es

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