Constructivism, Dada and the Bauhaus

Constructivism was the artistic and architectural movement of this era, that emphasized art as a practice for social purposes. It reflected architecture, graphic and industrial design and other cultural aspects.

AAn example of a constructivist artist was Alexander Rodchenko who was a main part of this movement ad in 1921 h exhibited work of paintings that declared and confirmed ''the end of painting''.

In 1923 and 1924 Rodchenko was influenced by the German Dahdasits, which inspired him to use his own images and recreate and collage together to make a 'photo montage'. Dada in 1918 was focused around Cabaret Voltaire, in Zurich and writers,artists and poets would meet up together to make art which objected to war. This create these similar styled propaganda poster images, which were very collaged, abstract to grab attention.


Here is a good example of Alexanders Rodchenkos work from the constructivism era. As you can see, the ladder is much darker against the mid tone background (sky) which allows the ladder to be very prominent. The ladder is in the center of the image, and it leads our eyes to look further into the background of the image, creating a large depth of field. This is a technique of leading lines which draws audiences attention. The ladder creates repetitive lines within the image, which have this abstract theme within the image. There is also a repeated use of geometric shapes, from the darkened windows that are very formatted squares, adding to the abstract and linear style. We also see an outline of the figure, who seems to be a working class man from the shape of his flap cap and the reasons why he could be on a ladder. This integrating political and social issues within Rodchenkos image. The use of using an outline of a body, and the outlines of the geometric shapes intertwine to create this abstract imagery that fits into the constructivism era.

Key features of Constructivism would be the context and themes within the imagery. For example the body in the city was a main aspect of this era, and linear lines and the integration of the architecture and outlines of the body would create abstract imagery. Celebration of technology and science and political statement from the time would also be expressed through constructivism.
Visually, most of the image are in black and white, which creates simple tones, however harsh contrasts allowing the image to look more dramatic and straightforward. This allows the geometric shapes to stand out a lot more also. Usually a photo montage image would include some for of text or type, which would help add to the collage of other and used manipulated images. These images would create a scrapbook like theme, or look very similar to propaganda poster imagery, and this way of photo montage became very popular as it was a dramatic and abstract way of expressing.