Spectacular Modernity: Dictatorship, Space, and Visuality in Venezuela, 1948–1958 by Lisa Blackmore

Lisa Blackmore's book, 'Spectacular Modernity: Dictatorship, Space, and Visuality in Venezuela, 1948–1958,' reveals that the architectural marvels of Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas and the Hotel Humboldt were integral to dictator Marcos Pérez Jiménez’s propaganda campaign, aiming to depict Venezuela as a modernized nation under authoritarian rule. Using detailed historical research and archival analysis, Blackmore demonstrates how these structures, including Alexander Calder's 'Clouds or Flying Saucers,' were deployed to justify political repression while promoting the dictatorship's developmentalist doctrine. The study highlights the tension between architectural innovation and democratic erosion during this pivotal period in Venezuelan history.

Lecuna, V. (2017). Spectacular Modernity: Dictatorship, Space, and Visuality in Venezuela, 1948–1958 by Lisa Blackmore. Modernism/Modernity, 24(4), 884–886. https://doi.org/10.1353/mod.2017.0071