The artwork entitled “Books propaganda poster” was created by Alexander Rodchenko, a major figure in the Constructivist art movement. As a poster genre piece, it reflects the bold aesthetics and ideological drive of Constructivism, which emerged in early 20th-century Russia and emphasized art as a practice for social purposes, combining art and industrial technology.
The poster features a smiling man in what appears to be a military-style uniform holding a selection of books, emphasizing the importance of literature and knowledge. He is standing before a rural backdrop with a house and trees, and there are wheat stalks and emblems that seem to reference agricultural success and prosperity. The background also includes a fence-like graphic pattern with yellow wheat ear motifs, which might signify the link between the rural agrarian landscape and the intellectual nourishment provided by books.
On either side of the central image are bright red panels showcasing various miniature book covers or posters, illustrating the different types of literature and knowledge available. These insets represent various subjects and themes, consistent with the propagandistic intent to promote reading and education across a diverse array of topics.
The prominent text in Russian at the bottom of the poster translates to, “Red Army soldier, carry books to every hut,” which is an encouragement to disseminate knowledge to every corner of society, followed by the phrase “In books, light and knowledge,” reinforcing the message that books are a source of enlightenment and education. The text is dominate and the typography suggests a sense of urgency and importance to the message being conveyed. The overall composition, with its dynamic use of imagery, text, and symbology, is characteristic of the Constructivist movement’s desire to engage viewers and promote societal ideals through art.
