The military “living photographs” taken to promote American patriotism as they entered WWI

Date
9 December 2015

RVB Books has published a book of Arthur Mole’s “living photographs”, shot in 1917 as the United States were entering World War I. Taken as part of an effort to promote American patriotism, the sprawling compositions depict the American flag in the shape of a shield, the Statue of Liberty and a profile of Woodrow Wilson, amongst many other emblems of American life. Populated by officers, nurses and service people at various military camps in the U.S, the photographs were a collaborative effort between Arthur Mole and John D Thomas and were taken from atop rickety wooden towers with direction being offered via megaphone.

While the motivation and imagery feels somewhat quasi-fascistic, with thousands of individuals being lost amongst the mass, contributing to symbols of machine guns, eagles and Uncle Sam; the effort and scale of the project is undeniably incredible. The series feels reminiscent of later efforts by the Soviet Union, North Korea and China as well as the performative artifice of Nazi Germany’s Nuremberg Rally Grounds – all symbols of collective will, driven by draconian individuals. 
They also make for potent reminders of the attention that ought to be given to the current, more discreet modes of persuasion we experience in our daily lives whilst guffawing at the outmoded methods of the past, that in some instances are still being employed.

There is something comforting about the visibility of Arthur Mole and John D. Thomas’ propaganda effort, it cannot be read as anything but what it is and that is more than can be said for the sensationalism, censorship and political bias the world is experiencing today. Living Photographs makes for a fascinating record of the rather comical, albeit terrifying nature of propaganda and an important visual reminder to stay awake.

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RVB Books: Arthur Mole, Living Photographs

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RVB Books: Arthur Mole, Living Photographs

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RVB Books: Arthur Mole, Living Photographs

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RVB Books: Arthur Mole, Living Photographs

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RVB Books: Arthur Mole, Living Photographs

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RVB Books: Arthur Mole, Living Photographs

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RVB Books: Arthur Mole, Living Photographs

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About the Author

Billie Muraben

Billie studied illustration at Camberwell College of Art before completing an MA in Visual Communication at the Royal College of Art. She joined It’s Nice That as a Freelance Editorial Assistant back in January 2015 and continues to work with us on a freelance basis.

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