Catalogue Number
NMLH.2023.67
Object Name
Poster
Title
Praise of Dialectics
Date
1972-1982
Description
The Poster Collective was a collective formed in 1971 at the Slade School of Art,  a group formed to initially produce posters in response to the miners strike and on the wars in both Vietnam and Ireland. It was formed on the basis of developing a coherent visual style, which addressed the political issues of the time. This included the armed struggles against colonialism in Africa, the struggle of women for equal rights and the continuing struggle against racism. The collective was active in the 70's and 80's, producing posters on a wide range of issues, including for educational purposes. The group was not-for-profit and used a variety of hand-printing techniques to create their posters. This is a pale yellow and black and white poster. Most of the poster is printed with what Bertold Brecht says. Today Injustice strides forth with a sure step. The oppressors are preparing for a period of a thousand years. Might insists: As things are, so they shall remain. No voice is raised save
the voice of the rulers And in the market-places Exploitation loudly proclaims: I am only just beginning. While amongst the oppressed many are now saying: What we want, will never be. He who still lives should not say: never! That which is sure is not sure. As things are, they shall not remain. When the rulers have had their say. The ruled will have theirs. Who dares say: never! On whom does it depend whether oppression remains? On us. On whom does it depend whether it is crushed ? Likewise on us. He who is struck down, let him rise up! He who is lost, let him fight! He who has recognised his own situation, how is he to be stopped ? For the vanquished of today are the victors of tomorrow. And never becomes: even today! Bertold Brecht. The lower part of the poster is printed with scenes from the presentation
