Welcome to this space, which is set aside for other Artists. Expect to see frequent change overs, the scene is set for a variety of artists to be featured here. Be they; old, new, well-known or obscure. This space will not be limited only to photographers, but will include other medias.

JOHN HEARTFIELD

(1891-1968)

A political photo-montagist who challenged and attacked the society he lived in.

Born Helmet Herfelde, he anglicised his name during WW1 in response to the anti-British propaganda put forth by the German Government. After the war, he joined the Communist party and was loyal to it until his death. He believed in their causes, and this would later inspire the anti-Nazi propaganda he was to produce.

From 1920 onwards, he began to produce montages for the books published by Malik Verlag (run by his brother Wieland) and Neue Deutsher Verlag. His strong visual compositions were based on quick 'cut and paste' techniques.

With the rise of the National Socialism party in Germany, he began to work with George Grosz to produce political imagery for the Arbeiter-Illustrierte- Zeitung (AIZ) [Workers' Illustrated Newspaper]. Through bold photography on the cover pages and poster campaigns, he viciously attacked the Nazis: their policies and personalities. In 1934 the Nazis revoked his citizenship in 1934, and it wasn't long before they came knocking on his door, and in one instance, he barely escaped their clutches by jumping through the window as they crashed through the door. He eventually ended up in London where he was viewed as a 'suspicious German'. As part of an 'anti-Nazi' group, he helped to inform the British of the impending threat to their lands.

After the war, he preferred to live in Russia and worked in the theatre on many set designs for Bertolt Brecht. Only later in his life did he begin to receive the recognition he duly deserved for the often-startling imagery he had created. Although he rarely took the actual photos, his ideas, organisation and their accreditation are beyond doubt. John Heartfield can be seen as one of the first truly political photographers, who through his bold images hoped to enlighten a country full of political fever.

Since then, his work has been often copied / imitated but rarely bettered. John Heartfield had a feverishly active mind, which was at its best during one of the darkest hours the world has known. Although his politics may now be out of favour with the world, there is no denying that his imagery and messages continue to strike chords today. Here are two examples of his montages: 'Germany's youth sacrificed on the cross' and 'the regime walks across the thin rope towards war'.

Click here for further information on John Heartfield. Please note that this link is only a starting point in to the life of this great man.

Online: August 2003

sdtfoto.com is always interested in what other people are doing out in the big wide world. Afterall, there's more happening than what the media can tell us about. So if you think there is some one that should be the guest artist, contact me at info@sdtfoto.com (2003)