What is Constructivism Art — Definition, Artists & Their Work

What is Constructivism Art Movement?

First, let’s define Constructivism Art

The Constructivism Art Movement is an important and influential 20th century art movement. To better understand it’s place in history, let’s look at the Constructivism definition.

The Constructivism Art Movment was a reaction against traditional values of classical painting in favor of industrial materials combined with geometric shapes and forms. 

 Constructivism also explored themes related to the Russian Revolution such as autonomy, individuality, objective truth versus subjective emotions, and national identity. These fundamental beliefs continue to inspire constructivist artwork today.

Constructivism Artists

Visual Elements of Constructivism Art 

Visual elements are integral to constructivism art. Constructivism artists use a variety of different visual techniques, such as collage, superimposition, fragmentation, repetition, and scale manipulation in order to create powerful visuals that elicit strong emotional responses from viewers. Throughout these techniques, there are a few consistent visual elements. 

Geometric Shapes and Forms

Constructivism uses geometric shapes and forms to create artwork that embodies a collective revolutionary spirit. Artists like Alexander Rodchenko used industrial materials in combination with cubes, circles, squares and other geometric shapes to create abstract artworks that were seen as symbolic of the new era of Russian society. 

Constructivist artwork also often featured words or symbols associated with the Russian Revolution, such as the hammer and sickle, to convey its core message of national identity and autonomy.

Use of Industrial Materials 

Industrial materials are an integral part of constructivism art. Artists like Alexander Rodchenko used utilitarian materials like metal, glass, wood, and concrete to create abstract sculptures that acted as a visual expression of the collective revolutionary spirit. 

Constructivism also believed in using industrial materials as a way of honoring the simple shapes and forms of everyday life, such as those found in factories and machines. 

By combining these materials with geometric shapes, artists were able to make tangible statements about their beliefs in individual autonomy and national identity.

Bright Primary Colors and Strong Lines

Constructivism art uses strong lines and bright primary colors like red and yellow to create bold visual statements. Artists like Lyubov Popova and Kasimir Malevich used geometric shapes and forms to emphasize the revolutionary spirit that was required in Russian society during the early 20th century. 

They also used vivid colors and sharp lines to invoke a sense of energy, vitality, and modernity. By using these techniques together, constructivism artists were able to create works that embodied their revolutionary visions for the future of Russia.

What is Constructivsim Art Used For?

Themes in Constructivist Artwork 

Constructivism art is strongly rooted in political and social themes and aims to be a tool for sparking change in the world. Along with themes of industrialization, other constructivist works focus on topics such as workers' rights, class struggles, poverty, education reform, and social revolution. Let’s look at the main themes in constructivist artwork through some constructivism examples.

Creative Autonomy and Individuality

Creative Autonomy and Individuality in constructivism art was the idea of creating works of art that were individual, autonomous expressions of the artist's own vision and beliefs. 

This allows the piece to be true to the artist's unique style, vision, and perspective. By being self-expressive, they were able to make their own personal statement while still adhering to some unified themes or stylistic principles.

Objectives Truth Versus Subjective Emotions 

Constructivism artists believed that objective truth could be found through abstract forms and lines, while subjective emotion could be communicated through vivid colors, shapes, and forms. This allowed them to create works that were both aesthetically pleasing and emotionally powerful. 

The combination of objective truth and subjective emotions helped constructivism artists to create visually stunning works that also conveyed deep meaning and thought-provoking messages.

Marxist Revolutionary Theory

Marxist Revolutionary Theory in constructivist art was a major influence on the movement. Many constructivist artists were inspired by Marxist revolutionary philosophy, which emphasized using art as a tool for social change and cultural upheaval. 

Constructivist artists embraced the idea of creating works that challenged traditional artistic norms and spoke to the political and economic issues of their time. They used abstract forms and vivid colors to convey powerful messages about working-class oppression and inequality, creating works that expressed the struggle for freedom and progress.