Constructivism

An example of Russian propaganda, where
red represents communism 

The term Constructivism refers to a design style prominent in Russia which began right after the Russian Revolution of 1917 when the Czar and his family were killed and Stalin rose to power. This was the beginning of Communism in Russia and, as such, a new chapter in the history of the country which prompted designers to come up with a new take on the avant-garde movements which were getting more and more popular in Europe.

They used simple geometrical shapes and lines and the colour scheme was reduced to that of black, white, greys and primary colours, very much like the De Stijl movement which was happening concurrently in the Netherlands.

The Constructivists designed everyday objects in reaction to what was happening. new advances and improvements in technology were used to create different ideas. The context of the country was clearly taken into consideration during the design process of the objects as were the demands of the people.

Propaganda was being spread to the use of
everyday objects such as tableware

The artists clearly saw it as their role to help spread propaganda and they did so through the use of colours representing different aspects of both Russian culture and the world. Red, for example, was the obvious colour to represent Stalin's Communist party while Blue was still considered a Regal colour and therefore was still thought of as a representation of the Czar.

Due to the fact that they were easily distributed to a large number of consumers, ceramics, such as tableware and cloth were used as a huge part of propaganda with the designers issuing abstract messages into their designs in order to get across what they wanted to tell people without it seeming to obvious.

Large projects such as Tatlin's Memorial to the 3rd International (pictured left) were also planned, in order to show the world Russia's rise as a country, but political and economical instability made this impossible for the country













REFERENCES:
Charlotte & Peter Fiell, 2012. Design of the 20th Century (25). Edition. Taschen.

Thomas Hauffe, 2001. Design: From the Industrial Revolution to the 21st Century (Flipguides). Edition. Dumont Monte.

Ell Lissitzky, (1920), Strike the White with the Red Triangle poster [ONLINE]. Available at: http://seanregan86.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/constructivism1.jpg [Accessed 08 November 13].

Wassily Kandinsky , (1921), Coffee Cup and Saucer [ONLINE]. Available at: http://classconnection.s3.amazonaws.com/905/flashcards/30905/jpg/08_06_kandinsky_cup_and_saucer_19231322720342399.jpg [Accessed 08 November 13].

Vladimir Tatlin , (1920), Monument to the Third International [ONLINE]. Available at:http://dip9.aaschool.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/image-1.jpg [Accessed 08 November 13].