The trusty WPA posters that pushed etiquette, advice and patriotism likely wouldn’t get past the first critic from today’s jaded society. We prefer our partisan memes on complicated issues over collective and universally absolutist gung-ho mentality.

Joseph Woolfolk's painting on glass.

But Joseph Woolfolk’s Poster Power, up through January 26 at the Contemporary Arts Center, delivers a little of both in poignant works tackling hypocrisy and manipulation. The paintings on glass address the current issues of gay marriage, stem cell research, immigration, race, war and politics.

“Ski Yucca,” featuring a skier hitting the slopes wearing a gas mask and orange Hazmat suit, probably best sums up the clever and well-executed Poster Power.