Memorial Art Gallery Exhibit Showcases World War I Posters

A new exhibition at Rochester's Memorial Art Gallery showcases 22 original posters from the era. Calling Every Man, Woman and Child: American World War I Posters opens October 27 in MAG's Lockhart Gallery and remains on view through January 21.

The exhibition is dedicated to the memory of David Hochstein (1892-1918), violin prodigy after whom the Hochstein School was named; killed in the Battle of Argonne.

Into the fray

As the United States entered into the ugly fray of a European war, propaganda artists attempted to personalize an increasingly impersonal modern warfare system. To convince reluctant citizens to sacrificethemselves and their family to the brutal machine of war, poster artists tapped into Americans' pride, fear, familial love, and need for sustenance.

The great demands of war necessitated the involvement and support of all citizens--men, women, and children. Bold language, hyper-dramatized scenarios, and potent cultural symbols enhanced the urgency and enthusiasm of this message. While the stereotype of the brutal German soldier was common in World War I propaganda, the figures in this exhibition embody the complex and conflicting ideals of American gender roles.

Aided by the momentum of the Women's Rights Movement, World War I caused a tremendous shift in the social structure as women filled jobs vacated by men at war. President Wilson said, "This war could not have been fough"¦ if it had not been for the services of the women." But despite the shifting social roles during the war, its conclusion brought a return to the status quo as men returned to the workplace and women returned to the home. Along with other forms of propaganda-including pamphlets, major motion pictures and buttons- America produced more posters than all the other belligerents combined.

"what's Up" lecture

Thursday, November 2 at 5:30 pm, MAG director Grant Holcomb and assistant curator Jessica Marten present an informal 20-minute talk in the exhibition space. Their talk will be followed by the opportunity to ask questions. Free with Gallery admission (below).

Admission

The exhibition is open Tuesday-Friday noon to 5 pm and Thursday until 9 pm; Saturday and Sunday 10 am-5 pm. Closed Mondays and Thanksgiving Day. -- mag.rochester.edu