Agitprop

DEFINITION

A combination of agitation and propaganda. It most often refers to communist or socialist oriented political propaganda disseminated especially through literature, art, theater, or music. Also, a work, such as a painting, sculpture, poster, or video, that is designed to impress a certain political or social attitude on its audience, with little or no consideration given to accuracy.(pr. A-jət-PROP)An example: El Lissitsky (Russian, 1890-1941), The Machine tool depots . . . , as photographed on a street in Vitebsk in 1920. Like many other artists who supported the Bolshevik coup of October 1917, Lissitsky actively attempted to advance the ideas of the state by bringing his art to the masses. This agit-prop panel bears an inscription that reads "The Machine tool depots of the factories and plants await you. Let's get industry moving." See inscription and photography.Also see advertising, fascist aesthetic, and Russian art.