The Design of Dissent

As a certain sole remaining superpower force-feeds its imperial leaders’ twisted version of “democracy” to weak sovereign nations, it’s important to be reminded that true democracy allows for dissent. Through the ages, artists have helped codify and communicate alternative public opinion. Design guru Milton Glaser and Bosnian illustrator-designer Mirko Ilic have produced a provocative, visually arresting coffee-table collection of free-speech art from around the world and throughout the past century. Touching on hot topics as current as the Iraq war, the full-color pages jump out with startling clarity, blistering anger and sophisticated humor. An added bonus to these 219 pages worth of visual shock and awe is the inspiring Glaser interview by design writer and historian Steven Heller.