Iron Curtain Graphics presents a selection of handmade graphic design, illustration, and typography from the Communist era that is startlingly innovative and colorful—and a unique inspiration for current cutting-edge work that takes its visual cues from past design ideas, concepts, and techniques rather than the latest computer-driven technology.

The chapters Propaganda, Safety at Work, Culture & Entertainment, and Education & Science feature posters and signs as well as book and magazine covers that have not lost any of their visual impact today. The examples are a testament to how creative and experimental designers could be despite (or exactly because of) being bound by strict rules established by the state.