Millions Back Me (Little Man Asks for Great Gifts ) 1932

John Heartfield made this photomontage, “Millions Back Me,” to critique the rise of Fascism in Germany. It’s a process of collage and montage, which makes sense for political art; it's a way of piecing together different realities and ideas to create a new, critical picture. The stark black and white palette and the contrast between light and shadow create a sense of drama. Look at the hand holding the money, the arm emerging from the dark suit – the suit is almost like a void. The money has a graphic presence, a clear signifier of wealth and power. The way Heartfield has assembled these images, the texture of the original photographs comes through. The details, the grain, and the slight imperfections make it feel immediate. It reminds me a bit of the work of Hannah Höch, who also used photomontage to make social commentary. In the end, art like this isn't just about one message. It's about starting a dialogue and opening up questions, rather than closing them down.