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The readings engage in discussion about the role of modern art, namely abstract expressionism, in the cold war. The news article by Saunders focuses on how the CIA utilized the art and the methods underwent to proliferate it. The essay by Alvarez analyzes abstract expressionism along with the socialist realism perpetuated in the USSR. Both pieces emphasize the incredible importance of what art represents in a society. The CIA emphasized expressionist works such as those of Jackson Pollock in order to display the free-thinking and democratic society of the United States. This was in stark contrast to the propagandist and fully-government controlled paintings of soviet realism. While the CIA encouraged the popularity of abstract expressionism, it never fully controlled the production of art like the soviet government. Here lies the crucial role of art in a society. When art is produced out of free-thinking, it indicates a society that can still grow and advance. However, the pleasant, but rigidly patriotic paintings created in the USSR marked a society that was sluggish and weary. When free will is smothered by an institution, creativity dies and innovation crumbles. The artworks in the USSR clearly reflect its state during the time period. The articles clearly reminded me of the importance of art in a governed society. If a government is so unstable that it needs to control free speech, then it is a government that is destined to fail. Art remains one of the most viable mediums to proliferate ideas and creativity. |