Printing art forms in multiple copies to serve as an announcement, advertisement, or statement to be exhibited publicly.
Posters became a popular form of public advertisement with the invention of lithography in the mid-1800's. The most common purpose then was for theatre announcements. Later posters came into use for patriotic war statements and product advertisements. During the mid-sixties, the regeneration of the poster as a popular art form was seen by some as related to the development of popular music on a wide scale.
Posters are increasingly used for educational purposes, especially for non-literate audiences.
Posters are easy to produce, have immediate impact and can be presented any where there is an audience.
Posters are tools which, not unlike television and radio media, can present distorted propaganda and influence masses of illiterate populations.
Posters are easily removed.