The Spanish Civil War began in 1936 and ended in 1939 with the establishment of Francisco Franco’s nearly 40 year-long dictatorship. Considered a precursor and testing ground for the German and Italian fascist forces in the years leading up to WWII, Spain stands as a painful example of what can happen when other established democracies of the world fail to intervene to protect a more fragile one.

This exhibition, featuring posters, lithographs, prints, postcards, a book, and food rations, reflects not only the heightened ideological tensions of the Spanish Civil War, but also includes tender and emotional moments regarding the human toll of the war on civilian men, women, and children. Some images provide poignant glimpses into everyday scenes of how war weaves into everyday spaces, impacting all who live through it. Death, loss, absence, fear, defiance, and rage dominate some images, while others demonstrate deep tenderness. Other images are overtly political in nature and insist that the viewer peer beyond the image to understand and absorb their request to directly or tacitly participate in a particular action or ideological point of view.

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