Propaganda by Chipka
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
I remember this guy.
He's a throwback--well, a reconstructed throwback. I'd first seen him on a bit of Soviet propaganda, extolling the virtues of temperance. His blunt, instructive slogan was in Russian, stenciled neatly in Cyrillic. His features were harder, more Soviet-ideal, like the descendant of some superhuman poet-warrior, but he is the same nameless propaganda-hero of the People's avoidance of alcohol, or something like that.
It comes as no surprise to see him in Prague, turning down that drink with softer features and a somewhat more hesitant expression.
It's deliciously ironic, and on a level, typically Czech to see this temperance poster-boy, resolutely...selling books, DVDs, and Compact Disks at 50 -90% off list price. He's a reference to the dead past, and now he's just a part of the sublime spectacle of holiday Prague. (Sublime is the only word that describes Prague...it's neither good nor bad, it just is.) As is typical of Prague, this guy is a recontextualized icon with the signature stench of Big Macs and "McRoyals" wafting from the McDonald's beneath him.
Prague shows you things like this at times, and at times, all you can do is laugh. Sometimes sadly.
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As always, thank you for viewing and commenting. Hopefully you're having a great week.

Comments (23)
Very retro poster and as you say a Soviet throwback. I hope you didn't let the KGB catch you taking a picture in an ironic way? You never do know...
Nasdravje!!!!
Such a fantastic Art Nouveau building and than this against it. makes me sad.. Even though it might be ment humorous.. it is a bit sad to hide the beauty of the building behind it
Ah yes. The 'new soviet man'!
This pic is priceless Chip !!! ~ Hugs ~
yes indeed great architecture , show us more plz?
A lovely colourful image of Prague, and the shrewd observations you make..
Beautiful! Well done my friend!
Great shot and analisys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Excellent shot and interesting intro - hugs Jane xx
Holy crap...this is what you mean by "softer features and a somewhat more hesitant expression?" Geez... that face is enough to make me scurry away into the shadows. Great shot. Very interesting.
There are so many ironies and contradictions in this foto, it just makes me laugh. These old propaganda posters are amazing, talk about in your face!! Then I think about the people who live in that building, whose windows have been covered by the damn thing, but that's just me!! Another great one, Chip!!
Great on Chip!!! I like this :-) Hugs. Di. xx
BEAUTY :)
Yeah, we do see these in Poland, too, sometimes. But I think it's good we can finally laugh at it!
Which is more dangerous - the propaganda dandy or the greasy Big Mac? As always, your view on all this is fascinating. CC
Excellent shot Chip but why would they cover the windows of a beautiful building with signs? Well, any windows as a matter of fact...would be kind of hard to see outside...LOL....and me being a nature freak and outdoors person I'd go crazy if I couldn't see what's going on outside...LOL.
If some people have their way, we may see that guy over here.... with a Big Mac or some such thing in the place of the alcohol... Great capture and observances.
Great shot!!!!!!!!
Excellent !
Very colors!Excellent light!
Bravo!
Oh yes Chip, EXCELLENT! An absolutely fantastic shot my friend!;-)