In war, the way different events are represented is highlighting the attitudes, ideas and beliefs of each side. Art captures these images and instills a sense of understanding. During World War II, it was used to document the atrocities, carnage and destruction. To fully understand the role of art in illustrating what occurred requires examining how it is related to war (especially World War II), the thoughts / feelings and the way this is reflected in various propaganda. Together, these elements will highlight the mood and its impact on the conduct of war. (Campbell, 2013) (Ropp, 2000)
How does art relate, if at all, to war, especially to World War II?
In many wars, art is often used to tell a story or highlight a particular point of view. During World War II, these techniques were taken to a new level and influenced the conduct of participants. For example, in the early 1940s camouflage became very common in contemporary art. It involves combining the visual perceptions of cubism and surrealism into a single mosaic. The basic idea is to hide something of more significance. (Campbell, 2013) (Ropp, 2000)
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Many of these materials were utilized to conceal both civilian and military targets. This had an impact on the conduct of the war by giving commanders the ability to protect their most vital assets and to quietly surprise the enemy. During World War II, this enabled more violence and atrocities to be committed by those who were hiding. These techniques are directly related to war through establishing a standard of concealing something. This is a common element from the era with shocking revelations frequently occurring. (Campbell, 2013) (Ropp, 2000)
What are our thoughts and feelings on war and art?
In general, war is something which should be avoided at all costs. However, like the events leading to the buildup of Nazi Germany. It was the inability of the Allies to act swiftly which enabled Germany to become so strong. In this aspect, war is something that is necessary to prevent large authoritarian regimes from dominating the world. (Bryant, 2007) (Ropp, 2000)
Art plays a central role in identifying the attitudes, thoughts, reactions and events as they are unfolding. This helps to capture the mood and understand the various strategies of each side. It has also been used to help create innovations on the battlefield. In this aspect, art is a positive contribution through documenting historical events and contemporary attitudes. However, it is also contributing to increased amounts of violence and atrocities. This is occurring from it becoming a tool for achieving critical objectives. (Bryant, 2007) (Ropp, 2000)
For example, the Germans used a photograph of young boy as propaganda. He was adopted by the SS in 1941 and became their official mascot. In the News Reels, he was called the “Reich’s Youngest Nazi.” At the same time, he witnessed numerous atrocities and war crimes committed by the SS officers he associated with. (Bryant, 2007) (Ropp, 2000)
On the surface, this was designed to show German superiority, build moral and entertain the troops. However, underneath it all, the photo is hiding something more perverse and sinister. This is common within the art from this era. As concealment was used to project a false image about what was really happening. (Bryant, 2007) (Ropp, 2000)
Clearly, the art from World War II is designed to conceal something. This is because numerous images became important tools in warfare. The results are that camouflage was utilized on the battlefield and within the propaganda for both sides. This meant their conduct was more brutal, with these techniques becoming increasingly common.
- Bryant, N. (2007). The Secret History of the Nazi Mascot. BBC. Retrieved from: http://news.bbc.co.uk
- Campbell, K. (2013). The Forgotten History of Modern Art. Gizmodo. Retrieved from: http://gizmodo.com/
- Ropp, T. (2000). War in the Modern World. Baltimore, MD: John Hopkins University Press.
