Art as a Political Act The Russian Agit-Props of the 1920s

OpenAlex · İngilizce

Emerged in the mid-19th century, the mechanical reproduction techniques changed the definitions of work of art, artist, and the social role of art. These transformations triggered an extensive socio-cultural revolution during the 20th century. Art turned out to be an instrument for guiding the masses; and the communist ideology politicized aesthetics. The Russian Constructivists of the 1920s utilized agitation and propaganda techniques (agit-props) in their art for creating an aesthetic language for the political propaganda. This study argues that the Russian avant-garde aiming to bring art into everyday life and urban space became an instrument for aestheticization of politics. The scope is limited to the agit-props appropriated by the Bolshevik power. Dwelling on literary and visual information from literature, it scrutinizes the topic with a historical interpretation research method. It aims to discuss the agit-props within the framework of aesthetics and politics, aesthetic revolution in everyday life and urban space.