Russian Constructivism (Art History)

Russian Constructivism

What period did the Constructivists make work?
Russian Constructivism was a movement that was active from 1913 to the 1940's after the World War 1.


Who are the key artists that are involved in Russian Constructivism?
Famous constructivist artists include, Kasmir Malevich, Aleksander Rodchenko, Jan Tschichold, Naum Gabo, El Lissitzky, Vladimir Mayakovsky and Varvara Stepanova.


What is the aim/ideas/inspiration behind Russian Constructivism?
Constructivist art is committed to complete abstraction with a devotion to modernity, themes are often geometric, experimental and rarely emotional. Objective forms carrying universal meaning were far more suitable to the movement than subjective or individualistic forms. Constructivist themes are also quite minimal, where the artwork is broken down to its most basic elements. New media was often used in the creation of works, which helped to create a style of art that was orderly. An art of order was desirable at the time because it was just after WWI that the movement arose, which suggested a need for understanding, unity and peace. 

What media do they work in?
Russian Constructivists work in materials such as plastic, metal, glass, screws, workshop wood and wire.

This is a piece of work by Rodchenko. He experimented with photography and photo-montage. The key features that make it a unique piece of graphic design because of his use of striking composition and colour.

This piece is by Lissitzky. He uses his work to approach equality of living within society. In his early years he developed a style of painting in which he used abstract geometric shapes, which he referred to as "prouns", to define the spatial relationships of his compositions. The shapes were developed in a 3-dimensional space, that often contained varying perspectives, which was a direct contrast to the ideas of suprematist theories which stressed the simplification of shapes and the use of 2D space only.

This artwork is created by Naum Gabo. He uses both abstract & figurative form, angles to create tone, tone using light, intelligent design and steel material.