Propaganda is an assemblage artwork that thematises one of the most important instruments of National Socialist propaganda in Germany in the 1930s: the first tube radio suitable for the masses, the 'Volksempfänger' (People’s Receiver).

The Volksempänger VE 301 model was presented at the Berlin 'Funkausstellung' (Radio Exhibition) in 1933 and was produced at favourable prices by all major radio manufacturers.

The housing was made of Bakelite, with 3 electron tubes inside, which primarily enabled the reception of local stations in Germany.

I placed the head of a 1950s Schildkröt doll in the opening for the loudspeaker. This head is slowly swivelled from left to right by a geared motor - the propaganda addresses the masses. The little boy is blonde and has blue eyes.

The Volksempfänger is illuminated inside by flame-effect LEDs.

Three rifle cartridges are arranged like a crown on the Volksempänger.

Blood is leaking from a damaged part of the radio housing.

Materials: 

• Volksempfänger VE 301, produced in 1933
• Schildkröt doll head, 1940s
• Geared motor
• Rifle cartridges
• Flame-effect LEDs
• white LEDs to illuminate the doll`s glass eyes
• amber LEDs to illuminate the gauge
• red latex color
• power transformer
• textile power cord and Bakelite plug

Additional information 

• VE 301 is an abbreviation where the "VE" stands for "Volksempfänger" and the "301" refers to the date of 30 January 1933 – the day Hitler was appointed Germany's chancellor

• In 1933, the Volksempfänger VE 301 was sold for 76 Reichsmarks - equivalent to around 420 euros today. This made it half the price of other tube radios from the 1930s. 
• Its purpose was to make radio reception technology affordable to the general public. Goebbels - the Minister of Propaganda - realized the great propaganda potential of this relatively new medium and thus considered the widespread availability of receivers highly important.