"War is Over (If You Want It)" by John Lennon & Yoko Ono (1969) – Anti-Vietnam War Poster
Date
1969
Credits
- John Lennon & Yoko Ono Artist
Format
- Poster 2036
Type of Work
- Finished work 5575
Typefaces
Techniques
- printing 689
Locations Made
- United States 928
- New York 410
The “War is Over (If You Want It)” poster by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, created in 1969 as part of their anti-Vietnam War campaign, is an iconic piece in graphic design history. The simple design features bold, uppercase text that states, “WAR IS OVER (IF YOU WANT IT)” in white, set against a black background with a photo of John and Yoko. The direct, clear message was meant to encourage people to take action and end the war, while the minimalist design made it easily recognizable and impactful. The poster’s simplicity and powerful message helped it become a symbol of the anti-war movement, influencing how graphic design can be used to convey political statements and inspire social change.
