Constructivism

After a big revolution in Russia in 1917, a group of artists wanted to make art that helped build a new society. They called their movement Constructivism. Instead of painting pretty pictures, they used geometric shapes like circles, squares, and triangles. They designed posters, buildings, and furniture. They believed art should be useful and for everyone, not just for rich people in museums.

Art with a Purpose

Constructivist artists wanted their art to be useful in daily life. They designed bold posters with strong shapes and bright red and black colors. They made furniture, clothing, and books. Alexander Rodchenko took photographs from surprising angles, looking straight up or straight down. El Lissitzky designed books and exhibitions. These artists believed that art and design could help make the world a better place.

Shapes and Lines

Constructivist art was made of simple geometric shapes. Vladimir Tatlin planned a giant twisting tower that would have been taller than the Eiffel Tower, but it was never built. Naum Gabo made sculptures from glass, metal, and plastic. The art looked modern and machine-like. Constructivism spread from Russia to other countries and influenced graphic design, architecture, and modern art all over the world.

Fun Facts

• Vladimir Tatlin's planned tower would have been over 1,300 feet tall, but it was never built because there was not enough money or materials.
• Constructivist posters are still copied today because their bold style is so eye-catching.
• Constructivist artists believed a well-designed chair was just as important as a painting in a museum.

Did You Know?

Constructivist artists were some of the first to use graphic design ideas that we still see in logos, posters, and websites today!