The Russian Revolution changed Russia forever. Explore how its ideals and realities were expressed in the painting, design, photography, architecture, textiles, poetry, and films of the era. Running in partnership with City Lit.
Boris Mikailovich Kustodiev, Bolshevik, 1920, Oil on canvas, 101 x 140.5 cm, State Tretyakov Gallery
After the assassination of the Russian royal family, artists were encouraged to embrace Communism by moving away from bourgeois traditions of painting in oil towards graphic design and collaborative authorship. Trace the development of Constructivism and key practitioners like El Lissitzky, Tatlin, and Rodchenko (including their impact on the Bauhaus).
In this evening art history class we also explore how a shift to Soviet Socialist Realism under Stalin led to the side-lining of art for art’s sake and yet how artists like Alexander Deineka, Brodsky, Petrov-Vodkin, and others continued to innovate.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
• The art of the Russian Revolution (including stage design, fashion etc.)
• The battle for the avant garde: Malevich versus Chagall
• Avant-garde artists and movements 1917 to 1930s including El Lissitzky, Tatlin, Rodchenko, Olga Rozanova.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Describe how the Russian Revolution affected the production and aesthetics of art
• Recognise the works of key artists and differentiate between movements/styles such as Constructivism and Soviet Socialist Realism
• Participate in discussions around key works of art in relation to theories of avant-gardism.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for all levels.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught with slide presentations and group discussions.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You might wish to purchase a notebook for taking notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You might also be interested in:
• VB121: - Art of the Russian Revolution
• VB509: - Russian Art: from the Revolution to Putin's Presidency
• VB510: - The art of 19th century Russia