The Poster House is quickly becoming one of my favorite museums in New York City. It offers deep dive exhibits into the production and use of graphic arts around specific themes. On my last visit they were exploring the history of the Push Pin Agency and a second show on the posters and music of the era of Blaxploitation films. Currently, the Poster House is hosting two shows that explore both history and culture.
Puerto Rico in Print: The Posters of Lorenzo Homar (through Sept. 7 2025)
Lorenzo Homar (1913-2004) was a Puerto Rican artist who helped found and /or worked in three of the island’s major graphics workshops: Centro de Arte Puertorriqueño; División de Educación a la Comunidad, which was tasked by the government with producing materials for public cultural education; and the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña.
Born in Puerto Rico, Homar’s family moved to New York City when he was fifteen years old. Due to the family’s financial needs, Lorenzo went to work in a textile factory. In his free time, Lorenzo studied at the Art Students League and at Pratt Institute before joining the U.S. Army during WWII. After the war he returned to New York, and studied at The Brooklyn Museum of Art. In 1950 Lorenzo returned to Puerto Rico, where he became one of the island’s premier print makers.
Homar produced posters for many different historical and cultural events. From the centennial of the Grito de Lares to advertisements for films and performances to the 1976 Pan American Games, which were held in Puerto Rico, Homar worked on many different themes and topics during a career that spanned over fifty years.
Fallout: Atoms for War & Peace (through Sept. 7, 2025)
The main exhibit at The Poster House is Fallout. After WWII, an era of atomic exploration started. Countries around the world began to develop systems of atomic weapons and nuclear energy. There also arose a response of organizations whose members were concerned about the effects of this new energy source. Both sides began to produce posters to put their ideas out to the population at large.
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| Let's Stop This by Hans Erni (Swiss 1949) |
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| Atom/The Work of Peace by Ruben Vasilievich Suryaninov (U.S.S.R. 1959) |
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| We Will Stand Aganist Those Who Organize Atomic War by Lev Haas (Czechoslovakia 1955) |
One of the largest proponents of Atomic Energy was the U.S. company General Dynamics. They were, and still are, one of the largest defense contractors in the country, with a long history of building naval vessels. In the 1950’s and 60’s they moved quickly into producing nuclear powered ships, especially submarines and aircraft carriers. In an effort to win the publicity war as the fears of nuclear power grew, General Dynamics began to produce posters, graphics and books that promoted the “peaceful” use of atomic power.
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General Dynamics/Nucleodynamics by Erik Nitsche (U.S.A. 1955)
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| General Dynamics/Triga by Erik Nitsche (U.S.A. 1958) |
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| General Dynamics/Hydrodynamics by Erik Nitsche (U.S.A. 1955 |
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| Postcards created from General Dynamics posters |
At the same time, the increased use of nuclear power and the development of new and more powerful weapons, created a public outcry. Around the world local groups organized for a halt to the testing of atomic bombs, and calling for an end to the use of nuclear power plants. They also created artwork to publicize their cause.
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| Gone With the Wind by Bob Light & John Houston (U.S.A. 1985) |
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| Stop the Neutron Bomb by unknown (U.S.A. 1978) |
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| Stop H-Bomb Tests by Ben Shahn (U.S.A. 1960) |
The Poster House always brings shows that are topical and thought provoking. It is always worth a visit.
Nuts and Bolts
- Poster House is located at 119 W 23rd Street, New York City.
- It is open from Thur - Sun 10 AM - 6 PM (9 PM on Friday)
- Tickets are $15 adults/ $10 students, educators, veterans, seniors
- Fridays are always free for everyone
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