Culver City,
California
x
Partai-Genossen (Party Comrades)
Date Made: 1991
Country: Soviet Union
Measurements: 60 cm x 90 cm; 23 5/8 in x 35 7/16 in
This painting compares Stalin and Hitler, two tyrants associated with the greatest tragedies of the 20th century, and presents them as party comrades reaching for the same end goals. The inscription at the top reads “Партай- Genossen” which translates into Party Comrades. The first part is written in bold red typeface that was typical of Soviet propaganda, and it spells out the transliteration of the word ‘party’ from German into Russian letters. A classically German typeface is used to spell out ‘Genossen’. The unification of the German and Soviet politics of terror in this inscription mirrors the link between the leaders who have been handcuffed together in this image. The title is the only splash of color on the entire canvas, making it the focal point of the image. Both men, rendered from newspaper clippings, are captured in emotional stances, as if delivering a speech or addressing a large crowd. Their raised arm gestures symbolize the power that each of them wielded, further emphasizing their similarities.
Accession Number: 2009.053.070
Item Name: Painting
Credit Line: The Ferris Russian Collection, Donated by Tom and Jeri Ferris
Collection/Series: The Ferris Russian Collection, Donated by Tom and Jeri Ferris