The Constructivism Movement was one of the most influential Modern Art movement in the early twentieth century. It flourished in Russia and was inspired by revolution. At its heart, it was a movement inspired by the idea of ‘change’ and ‘revolution.’ These abstract concepts seeked to abolish the designed symmetry and traditional composition with something more industrial and man-made. This is why it is called the Constructivism Movement; because it is inspired by the idea of ‘constructing’ newer goods and products using mass production by exploring modern materials. In the end, this movement fettered out and stopped gaining momentum because there was a huge wave of hostility for any avant-garde in the Bolshevik Regime. Let’s look at how this movement effected the architecture and design world.
Constructivism Movement in Architecture
The Constructivism Movement borrowed ideas from the cubism and futurism movement, in art form, but architecture was an entirely different form of interpretation.
In architecture, this movement superimposed ideas from the Bauhaus, Suprematism and Newo Plasticism movements. It consisted of juxtaposing shapes that concurred in avant-garde geometrical forms. This style of architecture was highly experimental and focused on highlighting contrast in various building surfaces such as doors, walls and windows.
Effect on Design And Conceptual Ideas
The idea of the constructivism movement was to redefine the traditional aspects of art and design into something the consumerist society would appreciate. So in architectural and design, it translated to taking advantage of the possibility of newer materials.
This movement went to reinvent the typical building façade. Many actualized and conceptual drawings show that buildings inspired by the constructivism movement showcased large steel joints and structures, highlighted balconies and terraces along with large windows.
Constructivism movement In Graphic Design
While conventional art-forms and architecture were the design genres where the most major influences of this movement were found, there were still pretty innovative contributions to graphic design as well. The ‘Constructivist’ graphic designers created ‘photomontages’ that were as abstract as they were creative. They consisted of bold typographics, cut-outs and surreal images artfully superimposed on a simple backdrop. El Lissitzky is a renowned graphic designer of that era.
Constructivist Furniture
The constructivist effect on furniture design was widespread. It focused on true utilitarian forms that shied away from frou-frou ornamentation. These designs were simple, function oriented and designed majorly in liner or standard curvilinear patterns. The designs were based on convenience rather than ornamentation, so the forms were decidedly simple, but exceptionally unique.
Conclusion
The idea of the Russian Constructivism Movement was to convert the formal outlook of abstract art into practical forms by using technology and engineering to mass produce these goods to the communist society. It faltered and later fettered out because of the strict control over the art regime of that era, but still managed to leave its mark on the world.
Resources
- http://essenziale-hd.com/2015/03/09/soviet-furniture-design-from-modernism-to-constructivism/
- www.designishistory.com/1920/constructivism
- www.creativebloq.com/graphic-design/easy-guide-design-movements-constructivism-10134843
- www.theartstory.org/movement-constructivism.htm
- www.worldofleveldesign.com/categories/architecture/constructivist_architecture/constructivist_architecture.php
- artandthis.typepad.com/art_and_this/2009/06/mark-danceys-graphics-and-russian-constructivism-.html
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