By Debbie Djordjevic
When you think of Socialist Russian art it is easy to immediately think of the strong and strident images of communist era posters, however Revolution – Russian Art 1917-1932 delves into the dazzling creativity which came into being in the years after the civil war and the rise of the Bolshevik Party. This war ended centuries of autocratic rule by the Tsars and in the period after artists were encouraged to make art for everyday life that would reach a far wider audience – a true art for the people. Although obviously propaganda to promote Bolshevik ideas and glorify the leader, with ‘icons’ of Lenin replacing those of Christ, this period saw a proliferation of colourful and dynamic artworks. Although churches were torn down – the exhibition has shocking footage of one of the largest churches being blown up and reduced to rubble – and religion outlawed; painting, sculpture, ceramics and fabrics were all used to spread the word of the Bolshevik party to a largely rural and illiterate population.
It is a hundred years since the Russian Revolution so it’s fitting that the Royal Academy is hosting this fascinating exhibition in 2017. From 1917 until 1932, when Stalin started to suppress freedom of expression and the avant-garde were banned, the variety of art being produced was extra-ordinary in its richness. Featuring photography, exquisite ceramics, film and graphic arts alongside works by Kandinsky, Chagall and Malevich, every room holds more than a few surprises. I was particularly drawn to the fine paintings of Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin who supported the revolution but whose works were highly influenced by traditional icon and fresco painting and are not obviously political in content but celebrate the circle of life and the strength of the human spirit.
This exhibition is really accessible, has been brilliantly curated and has enough information to guide you through this period of Soviet change. I would urge anyone interested in art, design or history to pay a visit before it closes on 17th April 2017, as I don’t think we’ll see such a comprehensive take on the period in London again.
Revolution – Russian Art 1917-1932 is in the Main Galleries at the Royal Academy, Piccadilly, London W1.