Constructivism was a significant art movement in Russia from 1915 to 1934. Influenced by Suprematism, it emphasized geometric shapes and industrial materials.
Vladimir Tatlin, a key figure in the birth of Russian Constructivism, was born in 1885. He was known for his innovative approach to art, blending elements of Cubism, Futurism, sculpture, and architecture.
1913
Origin of Constructivism Art
Constructivism in art originated in Russia in 1913 by Vladimir Tatlin. It was a rejection of autonomous art and focused on industrial production, using geometric forms and modest materials.
1914
Soviet Constructivism Movement Begins in Russia
Soviet Constructivism was an artistic, design, and architectural movement that started in Russia around 1914. It combined politics and aesthetics, focusing on applied art.
1915
Founding of Constructivism
Constructivism was an early twentieth-century art movement founded in 1915 by Vladimir Tatlin and Alexander Rodchenko. It aimed to reflect modern industrial society and urban space by rejecting decorative stylization in favor of industrial materials.
1916
Constructed Head No.2 by Naum Gabo
Naum Gabo's Constructed Head No.2 shows the influence of Cubism on Russian Constructivists. The artwork features a head constructed using metal, showcasing the Constructivist interest in metalwork.
1917
Monument to Commemorate the Third International by Vladimir Tatlin
Vladimir Tatlin, an early constructivist artist, designed the 'Monument to Commemorate the Third International' in 1917. It was intended to be the headquarters of Russia's Communist International Party but was never built. The design emphasized industrial achievements of Communism through modern materials like glass, iron, and steel.
1918
White Circle painting
In 1918, Rodchenko created the famous painting 'White Circle' which is housed in the State Russian Museum in St. Petersburg.
1919
Creation of Monument to the Third International
Vladimir Tatlin's most famous work, the 'Monument to the Third International,' was created in 1919. This monumental structure symbolized the goals of Russia's Communist revolution and showcased Tatlin's vision of merging art with modern purposes.
1920
First major Constructivist exhibition featuring Alexander Rodchenko's Black on Black series
At the first major Constructivist exhibition in 1920, Alexander Rodchenko showcased his painting series titled Black on Black, which symbolized the emergence of the new material world during the Russian Revolution, contrasting Malevich's White on White.
1921
Pure Red Color, Pure Yellow Color, Pure Blue Color
Alexander Rodchenko's painting 'Pure Red Color, Pure Yellow Color, Pure Blue Color' from 1921 reduced painting to its simplest form with a triptych of colored squares. It challenged conventional thought and emotional attachment in art by emphasizing primary colors and rejecting sentimental notions.
1922
Issuance of Constructivist Manifesto
In 1922, Alexei Gan, the theorist of the Constructivist movement, issued a manifesto that outlined the principles and goals of the movement.
1923
Proun Room by El Lissitzky
El Lissitzky's Proun Room, exhibited in Berlin in 1923, extended his Suprematist-inspired works into an installation. It featured geometric shapes and linear vectors, symbolizing the transformation of art into a way of life.
1924
In All Branches of Knowledge
The iconic Constructivist artwork by Alexander Rodchenko depicts a woman shouting the words in the title of the piece in sharp, linear forms, giving it a sonic dimension.
1928
Gustav Klutsis' All-Union Spartakiada Design
In 1928, Gustav Klutsis designed the All-Union Spartakiada postcard, reflecting the Constructivist aesthetics in promoting mass physical culture events in the Soviet Union.
1929
Zuev Workers’ Club
The Zuev Workers’ Club, built in 1929, is an iconic example of Constructivist architecture. It represents the principles of Constructivism with its industrial-heavy design and geometric shapes.
1930
Fisher Nets on Isola Bella by Moholy-Nagy
Moholy-Nagy's Fisher Nets on Isola Bella pushes the boundaries of objects used in Constructivist art. The piece combines mixed media, including found objects, installation, and photography, reflecting the innovative approach of the artist.
1931
Creative Autonomy and Individuality in Constructivism Art
Constructivism artists aimed to express their individual vision and beliefs through autonomous artworks. Works like 'Enthousiasm: Symphony of the Donbas' by Dziga Vertov in 1931 reflect this concept of creative autonomy and individual expression.
1932
Commissioning of Ogonyok Magazine's Printing Plant in Moscow
In 1932, the Ogonyok Magazine's printing plant was commissioned in Moscow as a famous work of Constructivism. Designed by Russian artist El Lissitzky, the building features a unique design with a mansard roof and circular windows.
1934
Varvara Stepanova's 'Be Ready' photomontage
In 1934, Varvara Stepanova created the photomontage 'Be Ready', featuring photographs by Aleksandr Rodchenko and embodying the Constructivist spirit of dynamic visual communication.
1937
Publication of International Survey of Constructive Art by Gabo
In 1937, Gabo published his International Survey of Constructive Art. The survey focused on the Constructivist art movement.
1953
Death of Vladimir Tatlin
Vladimir Tatlin, the artist who initially conceived the assemblage art style, passed away in 1953.
2008
Shepard Fairey's 'Hope' Image
Shepard Fairey's 'Hope' image, created for Barack Obama's 2008 campaign, is an iconic piece that conveys a message about social change and American politics.
2014
Unveiling of Kara Walker's 'Sugar Baby'
In 2014, Kara Walker unveiled her newest work 'Sugar Baby' at the old Domino Sugar factory in Brooklyn, New York. The piece, a giant sphinx made of sugar, serves as a commentary on the capitalist origins of slavery.