Comrades in Art Unites Against Fascism

The Artists International Association was formed in 1933, a time of great turmoil in Europe, with the aim of uniting artists against the rising threat of fascism and war. From its inception, the AIA brought together a diverse group of artists who shared a common goal: to use their creativity to promote peace, international understanding, and cultural development. This summer, the Towner in Eastbourne will host a comprehensive exhibition, Comrades in Art, which delves into the life and work of 11 members of the founding generation of the AIA, including Peggy Angus, Pearl Binder, and James Boswell.

The exhibition will feature a wide range of artworks, from paintings to prints, showcasing the diverse styles and mediums used by the AIA members. Alongside the works of the founding members, the exhibition will also include pieces by prominent AIA exhibiting artists, such as Ithell Colquhoun, Dame Laura Knight, and Lucien Pissarro. These artists, who supported the organisation and its campaigns, will be represented through their contributions to the AIA's efforts to promote peaceful and cultural development. The exhibition will provide a unique insight into the AIA's commitment to making art accessible to all, through affordable lithograph prints and mural commissions.

Comrades in Art is the result of extensive research conducted by author and curator Andy Friend, whose book of the same name has been published by Thames & Hudson. The exhibition builds on Friend's previous work, including a display at Tate Britain's Marie-Louise Von Motesiczky Archive Gallery, and marks the third collaboration between Friend and Towner Eastbourne. The exhibition's curator has drawn on archival and collections-based research to create a comprehensive and engaging exhibition that explores the AIA's history and mission.

The exhibition will run from Friday, 2 July 2027 to Monday, 9 August 2027 at the Towner in Eastbourne. For those interested in learning more about the Artists International Association and its fight against fascism, Comrades in Art is an unmissable opportunity. Tickets and details for the exhibition can be found with the button beside this article.

The story of the AIA and its members serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that art can have on society and politics. Through their work, the artists involved in the AIA demonstrated a commitment to using their creativity to promote peace, understanding, and social change. As such, Comrades in Art is not only an exhibition about art, but also about the role that artists can play in shaping our world and promoting positive change.