Art of the Period

http://www.curriculumlink.org/econ/materials/pc2.ht2.jpg

This political cartoon by Jeff Stahler is not one that necessarily criticizes Mikhail Gorbachev, but rather it pokes fun at his attempt to reform Communism with democratic policies. In 1985 Gorbachev established Perestroika, the first set of reform policies that could be considered "Capitalist" which were designed to restructure and renew the broken Soviet Economy. To do this he eased up on government restrictions, price control, and set up private corporations to benefit consumers. These were all ideals that drew the country far from what Communism had been defined as in past years, and many citizens fled the country when their theoretical chains were loose, hoping to start a new life in Western Europe.

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This is a very famous work of art, a painting of Elizabeth Taylor by Andy Warhol (I figured I'd choose something besides Marilyn). It does not seem to be very complex at first glance, but its significance rings true when it is compared to the culture of the sixties. In Chapter 30, a large portion of its pages is dedicated to the culture of this turbulent decade. This painting exemplifies the teachings of the sexual revolution that took place during these years. More young adults were involved in premarital sex and this highly stylized picture of the famous actress places emphasis on heavy makeup and colour, the base of sexual attraction at the time. It is a prime example of pop-art in the period, and the fact that it is picturing one who was so famous at the time only makes it more so.