Styles & Periods

• Artists
• Styles & Periods
• Associations
• Glossary
• Projects
• Purchase Guides

Constructivism

Constructivism is a Russian art movement founded around 1920 by Vladimir Tatlin. Like Futurism, Constructivism was concerned with mechanization and technology but was essentially optimistic, rather than violent. As a reaction to the "world order" that had culminated in World War I, the Constructivists sought a new order, in which the conjoining of art and machine production could promote peace and unity. From Russia, Constructivism spread to Germany, Paris, London and, eventually, the United States. In Germany, Walter Gropius' Bauhaus was sympathetic to Constructivist concerns. The movement was characterized by a whole-hearted endorsement of the modern, a commitment to the abstract, and the glossing-over of the subjective and individualistic. Basic elements, a pared-down style, and order were emphasized. Geometry and abstraction, rather than emotionalism, were favored, and practicality was favored over "fine art." Constructivists sought to ally art making with the concerns of working men. Many Constructivists were proletariat in outlook, and their work celebrated the work of others, often portraying construction and machine operation. Soviet artists involved in Constructivism include its founder, Vladimir Tatlin, El Lissitzky, Alexander Rodchenko, Naum Gabo and Antoine Pevsner. Internationally, Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, Theo van Doesburg, Ben Nicholson, Josef Albers and Hans Richter were involved in the movement.

Feeling inspired? Try out these fine products…

From $19.99 The Organic Painter by Walter Foster Introduces techniques using non-traditional paints.	Up to 30% Off Dutch Masters Colored Pencil Sets by Bruynzeel Top quality colored pencils.	From $15.99 Acrylic: Do More Art by Laurence King Explore the myriad possibilities of working with acrylic.
Up to 45% Off Black Gold Series Synthetic Brushes Short Handle by Dynasty Master craftsmanship for less	Up to 65% Off Classic Cotton Stretched Canvas Traditional by Winsor & Newton High-quality canvas at low prices	Up to 60% Off Free-Style Detail Brushes by Liquitex Excel at the finest detail