MIAMI BEACH, FL (September 8, 2009)―The Wolfsonian–Florida International University presents Youth in Uniform: Selections from the Gift of Steven Heller, an exhibition on view in the museum’s rare book and special collections library vestibule through October 2009. Youth in Uniform was organized by The Wolfsonian’s chief librarian, Frank Luca, and displays an outstanding collection of political propaganda from the twentieth century thanks to a generous gift made by prolific graphic design author Steven Heller. In preparing for his book, Iron Fists: Branding the 20th Century Totalitarian State, (Phaidon Press, 2008), Heller amassed a considerable body of rare books, periodicals, and ephemera produced by Italian Fascists, German National Socialists, and Soviet and Chinese Communists. Collectively, these materials make up the exhibition. According to Heller, "branding totalitarian regimes is not as benign as branding frozen peas, but the techniques used to build identity recognition are not dissimilar. The artifacts in this collection suggest that one borrowed from the other, although it’s not always clear which came first—politics or commerce."

The exhibition also highlights one area of strength from Heller’s donation: propaganda aimed at the young. Totalitarian regimes from both political extremes forged powerful symbols and employed persuasive graphic artwork to indoctrinate the more naïve and susceptible younger members of their societies. Heller argues that all of these dictatorships created visual codes to appeal to a need among youth to belong to a club. Uniforms, badges, flags, and posters contributed to the cultish allure, not unlike the marketing campaigns that sell everything from music to soft-drinks aimed at youth today. Materials from the collection can be accessed via the Internet at http://librarydisplays.wolfsonian.org/Youth%20in%20uniform/YOUTH.htm

The reading room in The Wolfsonian library is open by appointment only, Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm, and Saturday, 11am–5:30pm. To schedule a visit, please contact the librarians at 305.535.2641/2640 or library@thewolf.fiu.edu.

About The Wolfsonian–Florida International University
The Wolfsonian–FIU is a museum and research center that uses objects to illustrate the persuasive power of art and design to explore what it means to be modern, and to tell the story of social, political, and technological changes that have transformed the world. The approximately 120,000 artifacts that comprise The Wolfsonian collection range from fine art, graphic design, and political propaganda to furniture, rare books, and ephemeral materials such as postcards and travel brochures. Since opening to the public just ten years ago, The Wolfsonian has developed and disseminated critically acclaimed exhibitions, publications, and educational programs that highlight the impact of design in shaping the modern world. Its vast patrimony of primary source materials provides unparalleled opportunities for scholarship and appreciation, making it a unique resource for local, national, and international audiences.

The Wolfsonian is located at 1001 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL. Admission is $7 for adults; $5 for seniors, students, and children age 6 -12; and free for Wolfsonian members, State University System of Florida staff and students with ID, and children under six. The Wolfsonian, presently on a Summer Schedule through October 14, 2009, is open Thursday and Friday from noon-9pm (galleries close at 7pm on Thursday); Saturday and Sunday from noon-6pm; and is closed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Contact us at 305.531.1001 or visit us online at www.wolfsonian.org for further information.

The Wolfsonian–FIU receives ongoing support from the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council; the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; the City of Miami Beach, Cultural Affairs Program, Cultural Arts Council; the Arthur F. and Alice E. Adams Foundation; William J. and Tina Rosenberg Foundation; Continental Airlines, the Official Airline of The Wolfsonian–FIU; The Miami Herald; Miami.com; Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Robert Mondavi Winery; and Pistils & Petals.

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