¡Che! Revolution and Commerce

Alberto Korda's 1960 photograph of Che Guevara is claimed to be the most widely reproduced image in the history of photography. The portrait has shed many of the details of its subject and maker in its endless reproduction on posters, T-shirts, and kitsch objects, but has remained remarkably durable as a symbol of revolution and youthful rebellion. Through a presentation of contact sheets, original magazines, posters, photographs, and more, this exhibition examines the power of the image and the history of its circulation.

Alberto Korda
Guerrillero Heroico, 1960
© Alberto Korda, 1960
Courtesy Korda Estate and Diana Diaz

Artist unknown (Cuba)
Days of the Heroic Guerrilla 8-15 October, date unknown
Continental Latin American Student Organization, (OCLAE)
Courtesy Center for Political Graphics, Los Angeles

Martin Parr
Opening of the Saatchi Gallery, Housed in the Former County Hall, London, April 15, 2003
© Martin Parr/Magnum Photos

Zhao Hai Yun
Untitled, 2004
© Zhao Hai Yun
Collection of the photographer

Image

Special Thanks

¡Che! Revolution and Commerce was organized by independent curator Trisha Ziff for UCR/California Museum of Photography in collaboration with the Center for the Study of Political Graphics, Los Angeles, the Centro de la Imagen, Mexico City and www.zonezero.com. It is supported in part by the Anglo Mexican Foundation. The New York presentation is made possible with support from The Smart Family Foundation, the Mexican Cultural Institute of New York, and Mexicana Airlines.