The development of poster design in Azerbaijan 1920-2000

In this study titled , "The Development of Poster Design in Azerbaijan 1920-2000", the development of poster design during a 10 year period between Azerbaijan's Soviet and post-Soviet years is studied. During this 10 year period, Azerbaijan faced many significant economic, social, political and artistic changes. Among these most important developments occurring right after Azerbaijan gained its independence was the need for advertising products and services due to the production system having changed. In this study, posters prepared by volunteers and those that were commissioned to be produced by the government are examined and were chosen from the literature containing many samples. Among these samples were those demonstrating the style of visual communication used during the early post-Soviet years, historical progress, the development of artistry, and the negative effects of Communism on graphic design. Publicity posters for theatre, film and other cultural activities during a period when there were no commercials, especially propaganda posters, take an important role in this research. Posters reflecting international and cultural affairs during Azerbaijan's post-Soviet years have also been included. All samples were carefully chosen from extensive literature. In conclusion, posters pertaining to theatre, film, and other cultural activities and in particular, propaganda, were used throughout this paper, reflecting a period in which there were no commercials. Furthermore, posters reflecting Azerbaijan's international and cultural affairs during its post-Soviet years have also been included. In the final portion, posters produced during 1980-2000, reflecting the changes seen in government, the economic system, and society made apparent in graphic design. Keywords: Poster, Rosta Poster's, Agit Okna, Azerbaijan, ASSR, USSR