Comments on: Russian poster design inspiration

By: David Airey :: Graphic Designer

David Airey :: Graphic Designer — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 11:43:54 +0000

You have some great examples on your site, Alexander. I appreciate you letting me know about it.

By: Alexander

Alexander — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 21:03:14 +0000

Yes, Soviet Poster Art is just amazing. There is a problem though. The excellent graphics speak for itself, but the history behind goes unnoticed. I have a blog on this – see the link above.

By: David Airey :: Creative Design ::

David Airey :: Creative Design :: — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 15:31:13 +0000

Excellent insight, Igor!

Thanks for taking the time to comment. Now you mention it I see a lot of Mondrian’s style in that poster.

By: Igor A. Geyfman

Igor A. Geyfman — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 15:12:02 +0000

The Russian poster indeed says.
Need to work. (Rabotat Nado)
Rifle near(by). (Vintovka Ryadom)

-Have doesn’t translate as a synonym for need in Russian, ‘imiyet’ or ‘have’ means to be in possession of-

The meaning that you cannot stop working because of safety concerns but you should bring a rifle. This poster was created in the nativity of the socialist Russian state and the government was still concerned about being overthrown by the anti-Bolsheviks. The concerns did not lessen until 1921.

The majority of laborers (called Christians) were former members of the army and many had turned on the czar in 1917 (Russian Civil War). They retained their czarist weapons to use in the conflict against the monarch.

Later as with most authoritarian governments, strict gun control was imposed on the population. Communists knew how effective having guns was for their cause when they were the revolutionaries, they did not want to give the same advantage to people that may not toe the Party line in the future.

The poster as you can see is one of the earliest from the communist propaganda line and is a turning point in soviet design to the constructivist movement, and is even similar to the reductionist style of Piet Mondrian both in the simplicity of the shapes and the use of primary colors.

Great post David.

By: David Airey :: Creative Design ::

David Airey :: Creative Design :: — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 10:56:31 +0000

Kenn,

I’d appreciate you explaining how the toothpaste poster is racist. Please excuse me if I’m being naive.

By: Kenn

Kenn — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 04:09:02 +0000

That toothpaste ad seems a bit racist. Yep its amazing how its everywhere I go…

By: inspirationbit

inspirationbit — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 02:14:35 +0000

demiurg, I guess you have a better vision than I do, ’cause I didn’t see any use of the word “but”. The 2nd version is actually the literally translated one: “have to work, rifle is near”. Anyhow, it does make more sense now :-)

David and Johno, the post is slowly forming up, so stand by :-)

By: David Airey :: Creative Design ::

David Airey :: Creative Design :: — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 20:07:44 +0000

Hello demiurg,

Many thanks for the translation. It gives the poster more meaning.

By: demiurg

demiurg — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 18:34:26 +0000

actually, regarding 1920 poster.. the translation is not really correct

Right form will be “[we] have to work, but keep your rifle nearby”. Or, even “have to work, rifle is near”. Civil war time…

By: johno

johno — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 10:34:18 +0000

A great find and some wonderful designs. Yes, lots of inspiration there. I’m looking forward to your post Vivien.