Pioneers of Imagery

John Heartfield

John Heartfield was a pioneer of modern photomontage. Working in Germany and Czechoslovakia between the two world wars, he developed a unique method of appropriating and reusing photographs to powerful political effect.

 At a time of great uncertainty, Heartfield’s agitated images forecasted and reflected the chaos Germany experienced in the 1920s and ’30s as it slipped toward social and political catastrophe. In this climate, communists, Nazis, and other partisans clashed in the press, at the ballot box, and on the streets. The impact of Heartfield’s images was so great that they helped transform photomontage into a powerful form of mass communication.

Heartfield devised photo-based symbols for the Communist Party of Germany, allowing the organization to compete with the Nazis’ swastika. His images of clenched fists, open palms, and raised arms all implied bold action and determination.

Photomontage allowed Heartfield to create loaded and politically contentious images. To compose his works, he chose recognizable press photographs of politicians or events from the mainstream illustrated press. He then disassembled and rearranged these images to radically alter their meaning.

Heartfield’s strongest work used variations of scale and stark juxtapositions to activate his already gruesome photo-fragments. The result could have a frightening visual impact.

A selection of  John Heartfields work including some of these incredible covers are currently showing at the Tate Modern. Core Creative recommend a visit for anyone who’s passionate about creating strong messages with imagery.