Rodchenko & Popova: Defining Constructivism

Following the Russian Revolution, two artists, Aleksandr Rodchenko (1891-1956) and Liubov Popova (1889-1924), propelled the avant-garde in an exciting new direction. As pioneers of the Constructivist movement, Rodchenko and Popova created an astonishing array of iconic work that reflected the new political and cultural landscape of their nation. In this groundbreaking book, leading authorities on Constructivism and the Russian avant-garde shed new light on the artists’ achievements and examine the extent of their influence on twentieth-century graphic design, fashion, theater, and film.

For the first time, the issue of gender in the Constructivist movement is explored in-depth, with the artists’ extensive network of colleagues and collaborators considered in the discussion. Extensively illustrated with striking examples of the artists’ work, including previously unpublished works, Rodchenko and Popova is a comprehensive account of their creative development, from their movement through different mediums to their passionate rejection of “art for art’s sake.” Published to accompany a major exhibition at Tate Modern, this is an indispensable guide to a fascinating period in art history.