![](\"http:\/\/rafaellopez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/ArtistforPeace-71-819x1024.jpg\")
<\/a><\/div>\n\nGallery at San Diego City College. Rare historical Soviet posters from the
\nperiod of Perestroika and Glasnost were featured alongside contemporary posters
\nwith political, social or arts themes and a Russian twist. <\/p>\n
My
\nposter was about the potential of the arts to promote peace and social change.
\nTo craft a culture of peace you have to first imagine it. Artists around the
\nworld and throughout history have given voice to that ideal. A sharp pencil can
\nbe a powerful weapon to communicate the pathos of war. I\u2019m greatly inspired by
\nfolk arts, many of which are living traditions. Birds are a common theme in
\nRussian folklore and this region has a particular gift for storytelling. The
\nfolkloric pattern inside the bird represents a diverse patchwork of beliefs and
\nopinions. The colors tip their hat to Russian Constructivism. When creating
\nthis poster, the recent peace agreement and conflict between Ukrainian forces
\nand pro-Russian separatists was on my mind and in the news. The two leaves
\nsymbolize differing points of view with the pencil of the artist providing a
\nstable perch for the idea of peace to take hold. <\/p><\/div>\n
\nfunds going to the Doyald Young Reading Room<\/a>. I am such a
\nbeliever in books<\/i> and this design and illustration library at City College is
\nopen to students and the community. I’m supporting this effort as this reading room is a great place for aspiring illustrators to find their way.<\/i><\/div>\n
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