The Russians may have lost the Cold War, but one thing that will never die is the art that talented illustrators created during the era that spanned roughly 1917 to 1985 — from the overthrow of the monarchy through the emergence of glasnost and perestroika.
Bold graphic design from the 20th century Communist era was often used as a call for action with a targeted political agenda — whether it was to join the Militia army, warn against the dangers of alcoholism and the Nazis or celebrate International Workers’ Day.
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Today, the world continues to enjoy these works, some examples of which are included in Prestel’s Soviet Posters by collection of 23 posters, which includes works from El Lissitzky and Alexander Rodchenko, is printed on thick paper with pull-out pages in standard frame sizes that you can hang on your wall. Information about each work is printed on the back of the poster. Hard cover editions cost about $100, while soft cover books cost up to $25.
Alas, many art works were not carefully preserved beyond their immediate propaganda purpose. Thus, some posters look a little battered and imperfect, but that only serves to enhance their beauty and value.
➤ Soviet Posters: Pull-Out Edition [via Fast Company and Wink]
Feature image: Glory to the First Woman Cosmonaut!, Kershin U. V., Nadezhdin G. P. (1963)
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