Constructivism originated in Russia in the 1920s as an art movement that combined mechanical objects into abstract structural forms and influenced architecture and design. It rejected art for art's sake and instead promoted social ideas and practices. Key figures included Tatlin, considered the founder, and Rodchenko, Popova, and Gabo, who pioneered Constructivist sculpture, painting, photography and more. The movement emphasized dynamic human experience and possibilities over static forms but was limited by its association with Communism. It influenced modern design and architecture through its use of industrial materials and bold shapes.

1. Constructivism
пропаганда
Balmes | Rodil | Tenorio

4. Introduction
Constructivism is style or movement in which assorted
mechanical objects are combined into abstract mobile
structural forms. The movement originated in Russia in the
1920s and has influenced many aspects of modern
architecture and design.

6. Beginnings
It was the final and the most influential art movement in
Russia. During the 20th century, it evolved just as the
Bolsheviks came to power. Borrowing ideas from Cubism,
Suprematism, Futurism. It was key in sparking the hopes and
ideals of the revolution’s goals.

7. Key Ideas and Concepts
The Idea behind Constructivism is to reject art for the sake of
art. It instead promotes social ideas and practices. It focused
on Architecture and Design.

8. Leading Artists

9. Vladimir Tatlin (1885-1953)
Often called as “The Father of
Constructivism”. He was also known
as important artist of the Soviet
avant-garde art movement of the
1920s

10. Lyubov Popova (1889-1924)
Lyubov Popova was an eminent
Russian avant-garde artist, painter,
and designer. Her work was
important for several modern styles,
including Cubism, Suprematism, and
Constructivism.

11. Alexander Rodchenko (1891-1956)
One of the first active members and
founders of the art movement. He
was an artist, sculptor, photographer
and graphic designer.
“BOOKS; in all branches of knowledge”

12. Naum Gabo (1890-1977)
A Russian sculptor associated with
the Constructivist movement, and
pioneered in Kinetic sculpture. Gabo
was a key avant-gardist in post-
revolutionary Russia.

13. Konstantin Medunetsky (1899-1935)
The Student of Vladimir and
Rodchenko at Vkhutemas. And the
founder of OBMOKHU (Society of
Young Russian Artists)

14. Important Artworks

15. Corner Counter
Relief (1914)
This work of Tatlin is based
from Cubism and turning it
into Constructivism.
conforms neither to the
conventional format of
painting or sculpture,
because Constructivism
would aspire to display those
old fashioned forms.
Sculpture; metal sheets/wire/etc.
28 x 46 ½ in; 71 x 118 cm

16. Design for the
Monument to the
Third International
(1919-1920)
Also known as Tatlin’s
Tower. This tower was
designed by Vladimir Tatlin
also the first art work to start
the movement. This design
is also a functional
conference space and
propaganda for the
Communist Third
International or Comintern. Steel*;
22 ft.; 6.7m

17. Pure Red Color,
Pure Yellow Color,
Pure Blue Color
This artwork by
Alexander Rodchenko is
the first of its kind. Colors
are meant to be used to
describe an object.
Instead it is used as it is,
just a color. Oil on canvas;
24 5/8 x 20 11/16” (62.5 x 52.5 cm )

18. Constructed Head
No.2
This is created by Naum
Gabo. This betrays the
constructivist idea by using
the material to form a
figure instead of showing
the beauty of the material.
It was the choice of
material that gives its
Constructivist ideas. Giving
it a machine look.
Steel;
1760 x 1240 x 1243 mm

19. Proun Room
Lissitzky leaned in more
with the Suprematist
movement but still uses
constructivism. In this
piece he tried to make an
artwork three-
dimensional. The contrast
of the light and the dark
make the object look like
they’re floating. Painted wood
320 x 364 x 364 cm

20. Textile Design
One of Lyubov Popova’s
textile designs. The
importance of this piece
is that it showed that
women played a
significant role in an
avant garde era
dominated by men.
Textile Design c.1924
Pencil and ink on paper
234 x 191 mm

21. Beat the Whites
with a Red Wedge
Lissitzky’s earliest
attempts to propagandist
art. Here Lissitzky uses
his signature coded color
combination of red, white
and black, which
reinforces the message
indicated by the work's
title. Colors and shapes
take on directly symbolic
significance.
Lithograph
51 x 62 cm (20 1/16 x 24 7/16 in.)

22. Later Developments
After the rising success of Constructivism with the newly issued,
Constructivist Manifesto. The Theory of Productivism soon followed
banning the use of easel art in favor of industrial design work. This
caused famous Constructivist artists like Naum Gabo to flee to other
countries. Stalin soon favored a new and more natural art form (Social
Realism) and other avant-garde art forms were deemed as subversive.
Constructivism is still being used today, especially in architecture, with
its unique design for buildings and other things in media. As well as in
design with its bold and striking designs.

23. Influences and Legacy
Constructivists would later spread their art form to the world
such as Germany and England. It also had a great influence on
some modern masters of Latin America and Australia.
Graphic designer Neville Brody used styles based on
Constructivist posters that sparked a revival of popular interest.
During the 1980s, The Designers Republic, a successful and
influential design company which used constructivist principles
was founded.

24. Evaluation
Strengths
Constructivism emphasized the dynamic structure of human experience.
Focused on possibilities, human resilience, and the promise of lifelong change.
Weaknesses
The art form was too foreign and unique outside of the Communist movement,
which prevented it from spreading outside of Russia until much later on. It also
tried to do the opposite of what art was intended for.

25. Philippine Art Inspired By
Constructivism

26. Spring Collection
Many of Pete Jimenez’
works consisted of metal
sculptures, but this series
stood out with its
seemingly Constructivist
design.
Spring Collection
By Pete Jimenez

27. Kristo
The use of the materials
in this sculpture by
Jinggoy Salcedo shows a
clear connection to
Constructivism.
Stainless on Glass;
8.5″L x 9.5″W x 15.5″Ht

28. School of Design
and Arts Building
Though more evidently of
Cubist/ Futurist influence,
some elements of
Constructivism is present
in the design of the SDA.
Its complex design yet
simple boxy figure is a
popular theme with
Constructivist artists.
Architect Eduardo Calma

29. Resources
http://www.theartstory.org/movement-constructivism.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constructivism_(art)
https://google.com/images
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1414735/
http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/history-of-art/constructivism.htm

30. Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQalaHn0vMc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQURCU6jN58