Art and Totalitarianism

Art and Totalitarianism is dedicated to a consideration of the fate of artistic inquiry and expression under totalitarian regimes both past and present. Our distinguished panel will consider why and how totalitarian regimes sought to control all forms of art. How successful were and are such regimes in this effort? How have artists both past and present managed to elude their totalitarian masters and produce enduring works of art? In answering these and other questions, our panelists will draw on a range of examples from regimes such as the Soviet Union, Communist Poland and Czechoslovakia, and the People’s Republic of China.

• Dr. Clare Cavanagh, Frances Hooper Professor in the Arts and Humanities, Northwestern University
• Dr. Jacob Howland, McFarlin Professor of Philosophy Emeritus, University of Tulsa
• Dr. Perry Link, Chancellorial Chair for Teaching across Disciplines, University of California, Riverside
• Dr. James F. Pontuso, Charles Patterson Professor of Government and Foreign Affairs, Hampden-Sydney College
• Dr. F. Flagg Taylor IV (moderator), Associate Professor of Political Science & Director of Periclean Honors Forum, Skidmore College and host of Enduring Interest Podcast