Politically Correct -- Or Incorrect? -- Vintage Poster Fair

This weekend's International Vintage Poster Fair goes beyond the realm of historical poster art. It's a chance to reevaluate social mores in the context of a visual timeline. The things we deem politically incorrect now are viewed as such within our present-day cultural narrative. But how does that work play when placed in its historical context? Is it objectionable, irrespective of context? Or is it an understandable relic of a dated perspective?

Two examples: Tomi Ungerer's famous 1960s poster Black Power/White Power addresses the issues of racism and reverse racism in a graphic depiction of a white man and a black man consuming each other's legs. Cleveland Cycles, a French turn-of-the-century poster, shows an American Indian on a bicycle with a tomahawk, as a representation, to Europeans, of the strength of the American Indians.

Viewed against our modern paradigm, these images evoke interpretations and ideas not necessarily intended by their original creators. Even in their time, many of the vintage posters on display and for sale were dropped from campaigns, based on their controversial depictions.

At the 2008 International Vintage Poster Fair (Friday through Sunday) you can decide for yourself. You'll see more than 10,000 pieces of vintage poster art presented under the theme of Politically Correct? / Politically Incorrect? Original vetted posters from international exhibitors will be on sale from $200 to $50,000.

• Where: Fort Mason Center - Landmark Building A
• Date: October 24 to 26, 2008
• Time: Friday (5p to 9p), Saturday (10a to 7p), Sunday (11a to 6p)
• Tickets: $15 (re-entry available all weekend with one ticket)

See a Map of the Fort Mason area.

^{Images Courtesy of International Vintage Poster Fair}