Debate the use of graphic design in propaganda and branding

Graphic design is used to promote brands, market products and manipulate public opinion. Historically, totalitarian governments including Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, the USSR and Communist China have all used propaganda art, iconography and graphics to sell their message with great effectiveness. Debating the use of such graphic designs to rally and terrorise, Phaidon Store New York, together with Esopus magazine, are hosting an evening panel discussion to mark the publication of the paperback edition of Steve Heller's Iron Fists: Branding the 20th Century Totalitatarian State (29 June). 

Heller, distinguished New York Times critic and co-founder of the MFA Design Criticism Program at School of Visual Arts, will be joined by graphic designer Shepard Fairey – well-known for his Obey campaign and Hope poster for Barak Obama's 2008 U.S. presidential election campaign – and artist Paul D. Miller – professor at the European Graduate School, who is perhaps better known under his moniker DJ Spooky, under which he writes, composes music and creates multimedia art installations.

The panel discussion begins promptly at 7.00pm, after which there will be an author signing of Iron Fists: Branding the 20th Century Totalitarian State. Heller will also sign copies of his previous books Merz to Émigré and Beyond: Avant-Garde Magazine Design of the Twentieth Century and Paul Rand, all of which will be for sale.

The event is free to attend, but RSVP is required. Please email IRON FISTS to store.soho@phaidon.com.