What Would You Say? Activist Graphics from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art

August 27 to December 4, 2022

What Would You Say?

Since the mid-20th century, California has been a beacon of both inventive design and political
activism. Exploring the intersection of these realms, this exhibition uses case studies from
LACMA’s collection to demonstrate how designers and artists championed civil rights, opposed
wars and injustice, and pressed for change. Skilled communicators by profession, they distilled
complex issues into eye-catching images, often appropriating commercial art techniques—from
newspaper broadsheets to screen prints to digital downloads—to distribute powerful imagery
despite limited resources.

Others led workshops and formed printing collectives, providing movements with new methods for disseminating their messages. Their works express both outrage and optimism, going beyond protest to envision alternative ways of living. Key figures and organizations including Emory Douglas of the Black Panther Party, Sheila Levrant de Bretteville of the Woman’s Building, Self Help Graphics & Art, and street artist Shepard Fairey achieved widespread acclaim and notoriety, galvanizing political movements and empowering marginalized communities.