Art
People probably mainly think of the art hanging in galleries when they think of artists and art. However, during World War II, art was also used for battle purposes. Even artists could be used during the war. During the war, artists were transformed into soldiers. One particular group of artists, called the “Ghost Army,” were especially useful--they used visual and audio effects to deceive the German enemies into thinking they were in one location when they were actually in another. What was even more amazing was that the Ghost Army managed to still maintain under the radar even after the war had ended. Many U.S. victories could not have been achieved if it were not for the Ghost Army and their talent in art. In war, many are often forgotten or overlooked in their contributions--the Ghost Army was one of those groups.
Art was an outlet for many during those difficult times of war. Not only were people capable of expressing their thoughts, but they were also able to reveal the realities of the war to the rest of the world. Art during that era included Cubism, Surrealism, and Abstract art. Picasso, in fact, was alive and thriving during that time. Many art exhibitions were displayed in many places, and people would come from all over to see them. Some forms of art--such as photography--documented the daily lives of the people and the stresses of war. How people struggled daily with the lack of resources, how innocent civilians were killed commonly, and how weapons were made and used--all those were portrayed through art pieces. Many of them were integrated into newspapers so that others could see what was happening around them.
Another way art was used during the war was to help camouflage ships, weapons, and more. One man, Moholy-Nagy, was key to the whole strategy. His art involved manipulating what people saw by using patterns, shadows, and moving parts, which was perfect for the ideal camouflage for the battle forces. As a result, they recruited Moholy-Nagy to teach others his ways, which helped the U.S. a lot. Due to his artistic contributions, many lives were saved, and the concealment of planes, ships, and cities, became immensely easier.
Many of the art pieces we see today would not have been available if it were not for a group of people called The Monument Men. During World War II, many Nazis, especially Hitler, would steal art pieces to try to create a collection. The Monument Men would find and protect as many pieces of art as they could so that they would not get stolen. However, it was not without risk. Many of the men were badly injured or even killed, but they all found saving the art pieces worth the risk because art reflected their culture and was worth preserving.
Art was an outlet for many during those difficult times of war. Not only were people capable of expressing their thoughts, but they were also able to reveal the realities of the war to the rest of the world. Art during that era included Cubism, Surrealism, and Abstract art. Picasso, in fact, was alive and thriving during that time. Many art exhibitions were displayed in many places, and people would come from all over to see them. Some forms of art--such as photography--documented the daily lives of the people and the stresses of war. How people struggled daily with the lack of resources, how innocent civilians were killed commonly, and how weapons were made and used--all those were portrayed through art pieces. Many of them were integrated into newspapers so that others could see what was happening around them.
Another way art was used during the war was to help camouflage ships, weapons, and more. One man, Moholy-Nagy, was key to the whole strategy. His art involved manipulating what people saw by using patterns, shadows, and moving parts, which was perfect for the ideal camouflage for the battle forces. As a result, they recruited Moholy-Nagy to teach others his ways, which helped the U.S. a lot. Due to his artistic contributions, many lives were saved, and the concealment of planes, ships, and cities, became immensely easier.
Many of the art pieces we see today would not have been available if it were not for a group of people called The Monument Men. During World War II, many Nazis, especially Hitler, would steal art pieces to try to create a collection. The Monument Men would find and protect as many pieces of art as they could so that they would not get stolen. However, it was not without risk. Many of the men were badly injured or even killed, but they all found saving the art pieces worth the risk because art reflected their culture and was worth preserving.