Fascist art, particularly during movements like Italian Futurism, was often designed to convey clear, powerful messages aligned with authoritarian ideals. From my experience studying art history, these works tend to prioritize simplicity and visual impact over individual expression, serving political propaganda purposes rather than pure artistic creativity. This perspective helps explain why fascist regimes frequently controlled architecture and urban planning strictly, affecting skylines and the appearance of public buildings. For example, Washington, D.C.’s building height regulations and street width plans demonstrate how urban space can reflect political intentions and social order, shaping how citizens experience their environment. In modern times, the concept of hyper-reality and simulacra has emerged, where representations in media and art sometimes blur or distort reality itself—an idea that echoes how political messaging can create a controlled narrative detached from the factual world. Reflecting on these themes reminds me of the lasting influence art has, not only aesthetically but also culturally and politically. For anyone interested in exploring further, it’s useful to consider how art under authoritarian regimes rarely aims for diverse or experimental creativity but rather serves to reinforce specific power structures, often using architecture to embody ideological control. Understanding this context enriches our appreciation of art’s role beyond beauty, highlighting its capacity to shape societal values and historical memory.