Day in London - Tate Modern1 (Part 2)

The first location that we visited was the Tate Modern gallery. The Tate were currently exhibiting 'Defining Constructivism' by Rodchenko and Popova. Constructivism was the fundamental element that created what has become modernist design today. Having written my contextual essay earlier this year titled 'Swiss influence on Modern Graphic Design' I have grew a particular interest to the disciplines developed over the early period of design, making this exhibition my highlight of the day.
The Constructivism movement began during the Russian Revolution and questioned the fundamental properties of Art and asked what it's place should be in the new society. The Constructivists challenged the idea of the work of art as a unique commodity, explored more collective ways of working, and looked at how they could contribute to everyday life through design, architecture, industrial production, theatre and film. Liubiov Popova and Aleksandr Rodchenko were pivotal figures in the debates and disucssions that defined Constructivism.

Here are some of my highlights from the exhibition:Rodchenko - Construction 108 (1920)

These images make no justice to the craftsmanship used to produce these paintings. These symmetrical shapes may seem point less today but if you look back at when they were made these would have been important experimental constructions that has led design to were it is today. To many people take design methods for granted and forget that some one at some point in time has created a reason for all the skills that we use in practice today.

Popova - Space force Construction (1921)

Another example from the collection which is experimenting with the depth of field. Again it is hard to except the purpose of this image without seeing it in the flesh. This painting was made using thick layers of paint which caused the black structures ascend from the canvas. My appreciation for these paintings has changes dramatically since visiting this exhibition. I found the attention to detail very inspiring. Here is a quotation I found on the exhibition wall by Rodchenko about his paintings.

"When I look at the number of paintings I have painted, I some times wonder what I shall do with them. It would be a shame to burn them, there are over ten years of work in them. But they are as useless as a church, they serve no purpose what so ever."
(Rodchenko - Novyi Lef No.6 1927)

If only Rodchenko had lived today he could have seen how these images helped to visualise the world within design as we see it today.

Finally there were a series of Russian Revolution poster designs which again were all hand drawn/painted or screen printed. Here is an example of my favourite design from the collection.



Rodchenko - Battleship Potemkin (film poster)
Created by Sergei Eisenstein 1925
The poster design were just as striking as the paintings. The poster designs appealed visually more interesting but I fell that the reason for this is that it had a stronger relation to the discipline that I practice. The posters were amazing and I cant even imagine how it would be if we had to hand draw the text and imagery like they did back then. The main inspiration that I gathered from this exhibition is to take attention to detail and be passionate about my design. Today the design industry depends on the technology of computers. I would love to try and produce a traditional approach in my design.