The Sleeping Giant: Posters & The Chinese Economy explores China’s economic relationship with the world through poster design.
By the 20th century, Western powers had already forced their way into the Chinese market. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, foreign and local companies rapidly expanded their commercial activities in China and experimented with Western marketing ideas. The most popular posters, called yuefenpai (calendar posters), were a marketing sensation and became key publicity tools to promote everyday products including cigarettes, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
In 1949, with the establishment of the People’s Republic under Mao Zedong, public posters made a stark turn towards Socialist Realism. Later in the 1980s and 90s, Chinese graphic design embraced a more internationally modern look as globalism brought the far reaches of the world together.
Mon - Wed CLOSED
Thu - Sun 11am - 7pm
Members Free
Adults $12
Students $8
Educators $8
Seniors 60 & over $8
Kids 18 & under Free
Visitors with disabilities $8*
*Free admission for 1 accompanying care partner
Main Gallery
Poster House
119 W. 23rd Street
New York, NY
40.7434978, -73.9934297
The Sleeping Giant: Posters & The Chinese Economy
