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"Perfect to find gift. Price are very good. An they can frame and pack it on site"
About the Artist
Lanny Sommese is an American graphic designer and poster artist known for his inventive approach to visual communication. His career, spanning the late twentieth century, is marked by a mastery of conceptual clarity and an ability to distill complex ideas into striking, memorable images. Sommese’s work often explores visual paradox and subtle humor, making him a significant figure in American poster art.
His posters are recognized for their immediate impact and thoughtful symbolism, offering viewers both instant readability and deeper layers of meaning. Sommese’s legacy aligns naturally with other modern graphic innovators featured in our famous artists collection.
The Artwork
Created in 1983, this poster titled The tsar has his photograph taken reflects on the dynamics of power, observation, and representation. The concept explores how authority is transformed when subjected to the act of being photographed, raising questions about surveillance, image-making, and the shifting boundaries between public persona and private reality.
Emerging during a period when media and public image were becoming central to politics and society, the artwork uses metaphor to comment on the relationship between those in power and the gaze of the observer. As a vintage poster, it stands as a thoughtful piece for collectors interested in the intersection of art, media, and social commentary, and pairs well with selections from our abstract and pink collections.
Style & Characteristics
The visual composition centers on a large, stylized ear rendered in black and white, dominating the image with a sense of monumentality. A small figure of a photographer, positioned near the base, introduces a playful sense of scale and narrative tension. The design is punctuated by a vivid pink accent, which draws the eye and adds a contemporary edge.
The overall effect is crisp and minimalist, with clean lines, ample negative space, and a high-contrast palette. The mood is both witty and slightly unsettling, characteristic of Sommese’s conceptual style. This poster exemplifies modern graphic design with its bold forms and clever visual storytelling.
In Interior Design
This poster brings a striking, modern presence to interiors such as living rooms, offices, or creative studios. Its bold composition and limited color scheme make it a natural focal point, especially in spaces that favor clean lines and contemporary art. The piece complements gallery walls that combine photography, abstract art, and graphic design, and works particularly well with black or white frames.
For a cohesive look, echo the pink accent in soft furnishings or decorative objects. The artwork’s theme of observation and perception adds an intellectual layer to interiors, making it an engaging choice for reading nooks or workspaces.