Constructivism
Constructivism formed in Russia as the Russian revolution was taking place in 1917. The country was undergoing a process of change, progression and essentially emancipation from the control of the powerful ruling elite.in a time and era like this( a time of revolution and change) the forming of constructivism served as a beacon of light and ambitions which embodied the goals and ambitions of the revolution. The artist could now revolutionize Russia culture. (artsy, 2019)
Constructivism placed the artist in the realm of an engineer emphasizing the aspects of building, science and construction as supposed to aesthetic expression. The artists purpose was to build. (artsy, 2019)
Constructivism is characterized by its use of basic sparse geometric forms as well as modest materials. Furthermore, artist drew using shapes which could be represented by physical utilitarian objects such as rulers and protractors. Incorporated elements were inspected to ensure they were suitably adequate for the desired function. (artland, n.d.)
(wikipedia, n.d.)
The Constructivism movement piece above was created by El Lissitzky in 1921. It is a magazine cover depicting a simplistic and sparse composition of shapes and lines as well as the word Wendingen. The visual components are placed on the page in a deliberately constructed yet aesthetically pleasing composition. The shapes used are simplistic and utilitarian and the colours are basic and sparse but striking and functional for the desired purpose. The above piece’s use of sparse simple and geometric elements(in adherence to Constructivism ideals and principles) highlight the artist deliberate intent to meticulously construct the compositions elements for a simplistic, modest yet functional piece.
(Kanso, 2015)
The above contemporary piece by Rami Kanso is a magazine cover. Like the Constructivism movement piece ,It depicts a simplistic and sparse composition. The above piece mirrors the constructivism movement piece by its use of simple geometric shapes(squares),sparse basic yet striking colours and the functional use of the composition and space. As a whole this contemporary piece mirrors that of Lizzitzky as it highlights the artists(and designers) deliberate intent functionally construct the composition of the magazine cover.
Bibliography
[Accessed 04 September 2021].
artsy, 2019. artsy. [Online]
Available at: https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-constructivism-brought-russian-revolution-art
[Accessed 01 September 2021].
Available at: https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-constructivism-brought-russian-revolution-art
[Accessed 01 September 2021].
artland, n.d. artland. [Online]
Available at: https://magazine.artland.com/art-movement-constructivism/
[Accessed 02 September 2021].
Available at: https://magazine.artland.com/art-movement-constructivism/
[Accessed 02 September 2021].
wikipedia, n.d. wikipedia. [Online]
Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendingen
[Accessed 04 September 2021].
Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendingen
[Accessed 04 September 2021].
Kanso, R., 2015. behance. [Online]
Available at: https://www.behance.net/gallery/24284481/El-Lissitzky-Typography-Brochure
[Accessed 05 September 2021].
Available at: https://www.behance.net/gallery/24284481/El-Lissitzky-Typography-Brochure
[Accessed 05 September 2021].
