HISTOIRE DES ARTS 2015
XXème siècle
SUPERMAN and others
Superman by Andy Warhol, 1981
This is an oil painting by Andy Warhol entitled Superman. It is 153 cm high and 153 cm large. Superman is both the name of the superhero and the name of the painting.
The background of the painting is green. In the foreground, on the left side, there is Superman who is wearing his red and blue costume with a yellow belt. He has got his left fist in the air which gives the impression that he is flying. This Superman is covered by two other Superman silhouettes. The blotted lines bring movement to the painting. Superman also appears very strong, powerful and tall thanks to the focus on his face with the low angle shot.
He symbolizes the American values hope and strength. Patriotism emerges in a historical context of Cold War. The American is glorified. Behind the superhero’s mask there is a human being. Indeed, the other silhouettes materialize the existence of his alter ego Clark Kent.
The technique used by Warhol is serigraphy (= a colour print made by an adaptation of the silk-screen process).
Superman comics cover book 1942
This is the cover of the 17th issue of the Superman Comics dating from July and August 1942.
The magazine costs 10 cents.
At the top of the cover, there is the Superman title written in large and bold red letters. In the foreground, Superman is standing on top of the Earth in the middle of the clouds. (a catchphrase on top of the earth). The yellow background conveys the impression that it’s sunny.
Superman is standing in the very center of the cover holding Hitler in his right hand and Hirohito in his left hand.
Hitler was the leader of Germany and Nazism and Hirohito was the leader of Japan, a German ally. The two leaders are ridiculed, treated like children punished by a father.
Superman looks angry and determined.
This cover puts on light the effects of World War II on the Man of Steel. Superman is here to save democracy in an American way and to prevent the world from Nazism and Fascism.
As a result, this cover is propaganda aimed at children, Comics fans and even adults to convince people that America must fight undemocratic ideologies (Remember America entered WWII at the end of 1941).
Captain America comics cover book 1954
This is the cover of the 78th issue of Captain America Comics dating from September 1954 and made by John Romita (drawer) and Stan Lee (scenarist).
Captain America is a character which was created in 1941 by the Timely Comics (former name of Marvels). He was developed during World War II as he was aimed at spreading the American propaganda.
In 1945, Europe was ruined and 2 powerful nations emerged (The US and Russia). The US had the nuclear monopoly and an impressive economic power and Russia was military decisive in Central Europe and politically important.
It was the Cold War between those two Nations from 1947 to 1991.
In the foreground, Captain America (costume, mask, shield, star) is holding a Russian soldier (uniform with a hammer and a sickle).
The soldier looks terrified and Captain America looks like a courageous soldier making a real effort.
This comics is aimed at American men to convince them to become soldiers and commie smashers (nickname of superheroes during the Cold War).
On the right side, we can see his archenemy Ivan Kronov, known as Electro, who can throw electric fields after being transformed by a Soviet scientific experience and his friend Bucky lying on the floor. Captain America looks nice contrary to the nasty Communists. He is alone to defy the hords (negative word implying that they are savages).
As a conclusion, he symbolizes that America is determined to protect the world from the threat of Communism.
Super-héros, l'éternel combat
documentaire de Michael Kantor réalisé en 2013
Extrait diffusé sur la chaine Arte en février 2014