Constructivism

DEFINITION

A Russian abstract movement founded by Tatlin, Gabo, and Antoine Pevsner, c. 1915. It focused on art for the industrial age. Tatlin believed in art with a utilitarian purpose.<br><br>A modern art movement developed in 1917 by the Russian sculptor Vladimir Tatlin (1880-1938). The aim was to construct abstract sculpture suitable for an industrialized society, and the work pioneered the use of modern technology and materials such as wood, glass, plastics and steel. Constructivism was introduced to Western Europe by Antoine Pevsner in Paris, and his brother Naum Gabo in Germany. The principles of Constructivism were highly influential in twentieth century Western art, although for political reasons its influence in Russia ended by 1921.Examples: Antoine Pevsner (French, born Russia, 1886-1962), Maquette of a Monument Symbolising the Liberation of the Spirit, 1952, bronze, 18 x 18 x 11 1/2 inches (4.6 x 4.6 x 29.5 cm), Tate Gallery, London. See wire.