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NEWS RELEASE

CSUN Art Galleries’ Newest Installation to Examine ‘Subvertisements’

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., Feb. 22, 2007) — Cal State Northridge’s Art Galleries are premiering the exhibition that explores the use of advertising and logos as a form of protest.

"Subvertisements: Using Ads and Logos for Protest," organized by the Center for the Study of Political Graphics, will be on display March 19 through April 21 in the Art Galleries located between Plummer and Halstead streets just east of Etiwanda Avenue in Northridge.

"Subvertisements" features posters designed by local, national and international artists that use well-known logos and advertising imagery to spark debate and tackle ongoing struggles for social change, at home and abroad.

The exhibition confronts the idea that branding—whether on your sneakers, iPod or even your life—has never been hotter. Adults and children alike are targeted by ads and pressured by peers to buy the right clothes, toys and cars, and often pay extra for the privilege of being walking advertisements.

Throughout the world, political artists are taking advantage of highly marketed advertising campaigns to bring diverse social causes to the forefront. An iPod ad is transformed into an image of torture at Abu Ghraib prison. An insecticide, Raid, becomes anti-immigrant spray Fraid. The character "Tony the Tiger" becomes "Frankentony."

Whether they are protesting the Vietnam or Iraq wars, drawing our attention to sweatshop labor or opposing the use of pesticides and genetically modified foods, the posters’ artists provide an alternative view of reality.

The Center for the Study of Political Graphics (CPSG) collects, preserves and exhibits posters relating to historical or contemporary movements for social change. Through traveling exhibitions, lectures, publications and workshops, CSPG’s directors hope to reclaim the power of art to inspire action.

The exhibition is funded in part by the City of Los Angeles’ Department of Cultural Affairs.

A reception celebrating the exhibition’s opening is scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 23.

Gallery hours are noon to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday, except for Thursday, when the hours are noon to 8 p.m. Admission is free. University parking is $4.

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For more information, call (818) 677-2156.