What a great week this is going to be! Over the weekend I was blessed to spend much of it in the studio. Some of it outside digging out from almost 16 inches of heavy snowfall. Wow! Inside I had an epic failure in studio. I am super exciting about that. Why? Because most often when I fail at things I normally do well it means a breakthrough is coming. Wohoo! That is not what I want to chat about though. I wanted to write an article about the CIA's influence on Modern Art. I find it fascinating. One of my favorite assignments from my studies in Art History was researching the question, does art influence society, or society influence art? Does politics have any influence on either? I am not sure I really ever came up with a definitive answer for the question other than...yes. At least in my opinion it seems to be a really complex answer and they all work together symbiotically? During the course of investigating that answer I came across a controversy that I can't believe I had not heard of until I was in my late 50's. This is cool.
I want to talk a bit about modernism and how the CIA used modern art as a weapon during the cold war. First what is propaganda? Websters says something like, propaganda is the dissemination of information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc. It involves the spreading of ideas, information, or rumors for the purpose of influencing public opinion, furthering an agenda, or damaging an opposing cause. Propaganda can be found in various forms such as advertisements, films, radio shows, TV programs, and websites. It is a communication tool primarily used to influence or persuade an audience by selectively presenting facts to encourage a particular synthesis or perception. The term "propaganda" historically had a neutral connotation but in the 20th century became associated with a manipulative approach. That sounds about right.
From an art perspective here are a few examples.
WWII Posters from the Government Printing Office
Then next what is modernism? Modernism is a philosophical, religious, and art movement that emerged from significant transformations in Western society during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It reflected a desire for the creation of new forms of art, philosophy, and social organization that aligned with the emerging industrial world characterized by urbanization, new technologies, and social changes. Modernism sought to depart from traditional artistic forms considered outdated or obsolete, with artists aiming to "Make it New," as advocated by poet Ezra Pound.
Key characteristics of modernism include a rejection of realism and a departure from Enlightenment thinking. Modernist artists incorporated techniques like reprise, incorporation, rewriting, recapitulation, revision, and parody to challenge artistic and social traditions. This movement was marked by self-consciousness regarding artistic practices and materials used in creating works of art. In literature, modernism is characterized by experimentation with form and expression.
Writers like T.S. Eliot explored themes of disillusionment and fragmentation in response to the aftermath of World War I. Modernist literature featured unreliable narrators, introspective narratives, and a focus on the darker aspects of human nature. Overall, modernism was a period of artistic innovation that encompassed various movements such as Abstract Expressionism, Surrealism, Cubism, Futurism, and Dada. It represented a break from traditional styles and conventions in art, literature, architecture, and design as artists sought to redefine creativity in response to the changing world around them.
So, what does all of that dribble have to do with the CIA and modern art?
Jackson Pollock, Number 21, 1950
In the mid-twentieth century, modern art and design represented the liberalism, individualism, dynamic activity, and creative risk possible in a free society. Jackson Pollock’s gestural style, for instance, drew an effective counterpoint to Nazi, and then Soviet, oppression
Modern art in the United States during the Cold War era was influenced by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as a strategic tool in the ideological battle against the Soviet Union. The CIA covertly supported American modern artists like Jackson Pollock, Robert Motherwell, Willem de Kooning, and Mark Rothko to showcase American creativity and intellectual freedom in contrast to the constraints faced by artists in communist countries. This support was part of a broader propaganda effort to demonstrate cultural superiority over the Soviet Union. I posted an audio only video last week that breaks down the background of this, it is super interesting.
The CIA's involvement in promoting modern art was revealed by former CIA officials and authors like Frances Stonor Saunders, who detailed the agency's role in sponsoring Abstract Expressionist painting. The Congress for Cultural Freedom, funded by the CIA, organized exhibitions of American modern art across Europe, presenting it as a symbol of freedom and individualism. The agency's support extended to literary publications like Partisan Review and The Paris Review, aiming to influence leftist intellectuals away from pro-Soviet sentiments.
The CIA's interest in modern art stemmed from a desire to counter communist influence among Western intellectuals and artists. By leveraging cultural initiatives, the agency sought to shape perceptions of American values and creativity globally. Despite controversies surrounding its involvement in the arts, the CIA viewed these activities as a means to advance its Cold War agenda through soft power strategies.
While some critics argue that the CIA's intervention tainted artistic integrity and turned culture into a political tool, others defend these actions as part of a broader effort to promote American ideals and counter communist propaganda. The complex relationship between intelligence agencies and the arts highlights the intersection of politics, ideology, and cultural expression during a tumultuous period in history.
The CIA's influence on modern art during the Cold War era underscores the multifaceted nature of cultural diplomacy and propaganda efforts. By supporting American artists and publications, the agency aimed to project an image of creative freedom and cultural vibrancy that stood in contrast to the artistic constraints imposed by communist regimes. This historical connection between intelligence operations and artistic expression sheds light on the intricate dynamics of power, ideology, and creativity in shaping global perceptions through cultural means. So what do you think? What is your answer to the question; Art Politics and Society. Which Influences the Other?
[1] https://blogs.cornell.edu/adamtsmith/2012/01/04/modern-art-and-the-cia/
[2] https://transnational.live/2020/11/03/modern-art-was-a-cia-weapon/?amp=1
[3] http://airshipdaily.com/blog/05272014-cia-arts
[4] http://markmaynard.com/2010/11/the-cia-is-apparently-responsible-for-modern-art/
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/CriticalTheory/comments/3zg84i/modern_art_was_cia_weapon/?rdt=37983
https://www.moma.org/momaorg/shared/pdfs/docs/press_archives/663/releases/MOMA_1941_0002_1941-01-08_41108-2.pdf
I honestly can't believe I didn't find out about this until I was in my 1950's, it is fascinating. Below are some videos from the youtube channel this week.
Background Experiments Using National Geographic
https://youtu.be/e7F6VFj50i8
Water Decal Transfer Paper pt1/Mixed Media
https://youtu.be/ijPyPyKcInc
7 ways to support artists for free
https://youtu.be/lOpaPFan79Q
Audio Only/The CIA and Modern Art
https://youtu.be/P2b62KVzkrk
Have an AMAZING week! Stay frosty,
TO
Unleashing Creativity and Peak Performance Through Play: Insights for Artists