The Fresno State Library celebrated the opening of its latest exhibition with a standing-room-only reception on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 in the library’s Pete P. Peters Ellipse Balcony Gallery. “Where Monsters Are Born: Documenting a Fascist Revival in the Streets of Rome, 2018-2019” is a striking, modern exhibition of Italian neo-fascist propaganda pieces presented through an anti-fascist lens. The intention of the exhibition is to encourage visual literacy and a deeper understanding of the techniques authoritarian groups use to influence the public. It has strong ties to the curriculum in areas such as history, anthropology, sociology, political science, art, journalism, and others. 

  • Dr. Griffith speaking at the podium with multimedia playing behind
  • Dr. Griffith speaking at the podium with multimedia playing behind
  • Large crowd seated and standing room only in the back
  • Dr. Griffith speaking at the podium with multimedia playing behind - large crowd seated in front
  • Dr. Griffith speaking at the podium with multimedia playing behind
  • an attendees views the exhibition
  • two attendees view the centerpiece of the exhibition
  • two attendees watch the multimedia portion of the exhibition

The exhibition features materials collected by Dr. Brian J. Griffith of the Department of History during his time in Rome on a Fulbright Fellowship in 2018. Visitors encounter posters, stickers, handbills, and banners, many of which were “harvested” directly from the streets of Rome by Griffith. Written content places each item in a broader context, describing the themes it uses to influence public sentiment toward authoritarianism and critically examining the imagery used. The exhibition also includes sound, movement, maps, and video to capture the experience of Rome during this time period. 

Attended by Fresno State students, faculty, and staff, as well as some community members, the reception featured an introduction by Dean Janet Crum on the role the Library can play in partnership with teaching faculty in presenting their work through creative activities like exhibitions, displays, and digital fora. Then, Dr. Griffith presented an overview of the exhibition, its themes, and its objectives for the community. 

  • Dean Janet Crum speaks
  • Dr. Griffith speaking
  • Dr. Griffith speaking with a photo of Elon Musk doing a "roman salute"
  • Students examine the exhibits
  • Stack of exhibit programs
  • Dr. Griffith speaks to an attendee
  • Dr. Griffith discusses the exhibition with an attendee

Responses were enthusiastic, not just about Dr. Griffith’s work but also on the excellence of the exhibition presentation and the Library’s role in engaging the community with this important and timely subject. 

As a partnership between Dr. Griffith and the Library, the exhibition and reception were funded by the Pete. P. Peters Gallery Fund, which provides support for exhibitions that impact students and their learning, as well as exhibition programs that promote the Library through outreach to the campus and community. 

Photos by Heather Parish and Tyler Lovejoy.