China Modern: Designing 20th Century Popular Culture presents an in depth exploration of 20th century Chinese advertising images, mass media, graphic and product design that demonstrate how political ideologies and cultural values are transmitted through everyday objects. The more than 170 objects in this exhibition bring two contrasting 20th century ideologies—Capitalism and Communism—to the level of popular culture. The exhibition shows how, despite vastly different goals, the means of instilling these values was often strikingly similar.
The predominantly graphic-based objects in China Modern include lychee and cigarette boxes, children’s toys, a multitude of product labels and advertisements, and propaganda from the rule of Mao Zedong. Beautifully detailed woodblock prints and lithographs showcase the high-quality craftsmanship of Chinese print designers and artisans. China Modern: Designing 20th Century Popular Culture was developed by the Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena, CA and tour organized by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC.
