Constructivism

Constructivism is the art produced to reflect the new ideals of the Russian Revolution of 1917. It emerged after the Revolution and aimed at supporting the establishment of a communist society.  This Tower – The Monument to the Third International was designed in 1919 for Petrograd by Vladimir Tatlin.

Tower - The Monument - 1919

It was to be built from iron, glass and steel and was very ambitious in concept. Vladimir Tatlin’s training in art began whilst working as a merchant seaman (1911 Fishmonger). He was influenced by the Primitivism of the Rayonist Larionov. Such as this example of Winter from the Seasons of 1912.

Fishmonger, 1911

However Constructivism owes much to Vladimir Tatlin’s visit to Paris in 1914. There he met Picasso and was exposed to Cubism in works such as this still life;

The Guitar - Late 1913

Tatlin translated Picasso’s Cubism into sculptural objects using materials used by workers. 

Counter-Relief – 1916, from the Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow.

Two other important Constructivist artists were Alexander Rodchenko and El Lissitzky. They both were influenced by Malevich’s Supermatism. For them it was not ‘Art not for art’s sake’ but art for function. They therefore created useful objects such as; Posters, film titles/sets, magazine and book covers, multi-purpose furniture and workers’ club interiors. By 1919 Constructivism was supported by the Communist Party but around 1920/1921 there were disagreements between Constructivists and some left for the West. 

Proun 19D – El Lissitzky – 1922    

Beat the Whites with the Red Wedge – El Lissitzky – 1919
    (Inspired by Malevich’s Supermatism and Dadaism)

References: 

- DangerDom, 2014, Design is History - El Lissitzky [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.designishistory.com/1920/el-lissitzky/ [Accessed at: 10 January 2014]

- Future (Creative Bloq), 2014, The Easy Guide to Design Movements: Constructivisim [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.creativebloq.com/graphic-design/easy-guide-design-movements-constructivism-10134843 [Accessed at 10 January 2014]