INTRODUCTION

The constructivist movement had its roots in leftist political ideals. Artists of the time had clung to the communist ideology and wished to promote political ideas through their art. Previously in classical art and design, many themes covered in works were religious. However, the constructivists believed that art existed to serve a purpose rather than fulfill aesthetics. That purpose would be to thrust the Soviet party into power after the Russian revolution during the 1920s -30s.

CONSTRUCTIVISM & PROPAGANDA

Many graphic designs produced during this period consisted of geometric and abstract shapes. Artists used bold reds and blacks on simple white backgrounds to spread their message. Much of their subject matter was eye-catching and often inflammatory. Later, the term agitprop or agitation propaganda would describe this style. The goal of constructivist artists was to spread the political ideologies of communism to all areas of Russia. Artists and designers left no stone unturned, creating fashion, posters, manifestos, and theatre productions.

Image Translation:

“Want it? Join.

1. Do you want to conquer coldness?

2. Do you want to conquer hunger?

3. Do you want to eat?

4. Do you want to drink?

Hurry up to join the strike team of exemplary labor.”

Agitprop poster by Vladimir Mayakovsky (1)

Image: Section of a painted car of a Soviet “agit-train” from a 1921 newsreel by Dziga Vertov (2)

The soviet union also utilized trains and cars to spread their political message to all corners of the country. These vehicles would be known as agit-trains and cars. Often, the surface of the transit would be ornate and featured agitprop designs.

Though agitprop design had taken over Russian society during the early 20th century, the impact of the propaganda became underwhelming. After all, Russians were not keen on wearing clothes decorated in bold geometric shapes. Ironically even the communist party had looked down on the movement, calling it degenerate.

IMPACT OF AGITPROP ON MODERN DESIGN

The short-lived movement died in the early 1930s when the Russian government banned the style. However, its legacy lives on in modernist movements and even design fundamentals. The influential Bauhaus and Swiss style would not be what it is without the foundations that the Constructivists had set. In addition, the constructivists changed society and artists’ views of art. The movement’s innovative ideas of spreading messages that were not religious in nature changed the course of the design world. It solidified visual art as a form of communication that served a greater purpose.