The art of Jim Fitzpatrick has never been less than controversial. His earliest work, the legendary Che Guevara poster of 1968 published just before his death in Bolivia, became the iconic image of the anti-Vietnam war protests world-wide and today is the symbol of F.A.R.C. in Columbia and the Zapitistas of Mexico in their fight for freedom and autonomy. "It's an odd world." says the artist, " The Che Guevara poster became a world-wide phenomena and caused outrage everywhere it appeared. Because the various posters of Che I produced were based on a photograph by a then unknown Cuban photographer plus the fact that I had met him (see Biography section ), idolised him and of course wanted to make sure he was never forgotten I made all the Guevara images copyright free. That's how it spread everywhere so quickly.
The reaction was extraordinary. The original poster art and an oil painting I intended using as a print went on tour after being exhibited in the Arts Lab and Lisson Gallery in London and guess what ? -they both 'disappeared' in Eastern Europe where an individualistic idealist like Che was anathema to their corrupt regimes. Reaction in the west was about the same: my distributor in Spain was actually arrested by Franco's secret police and the poster destroyed.
I agree. Che had a bit more "cool" and "hip" about him didn't he? Well , it was the sixties wasn't it , when Jim Fitzpatrick did that iconic picture of him
I agree. Che had a bit more "cool" and "hip" about him didn't he? Well , it was the sixties wasn't it , when Jim Fitzpatrick did that iconic picture of him
Sunnydaze14 Forum Posts (2,870)
very nice post! and I recognise you, welcome back!
Breaking News! T4 has a heart!
RE: Forum emoticons are motionless
Don't forget to work the foot pedal at the same time