Russian Constructivist Photography At Spencer Museum

The picture shows Georgy Zelma, 1906-1984, born Tashkent, Turkistan (present-day Uzbekistan); died Moscow, Soviet Union (present-day Russia), active Soviet Union (present-day Russia) Gymnasts, 1932 from a portfolio of 29 original photographs, gelatin silver print, printed 1997, Gift of David T. and Linda E. Peters, 2005.0198.01.

Following the aftermath of the October Revolution of 1917, Constructivism emerged from within the Russian avant-garde both as an artistic practice and as a term expressing a belief in the birth of a new relationship between the artist and society.

In their formally innovative photographs incorporating high or low vantage points, oblique angles, and dramatic diagonal compositions Alexander Rodchenko, Boris Ignatovich, and Georgy Zelma strove to revolutionize their countryman's visual thinking. These photographers managed to capture through their lenses a changing way of life in the post-revolutionary era.

This exhibition is organized by Spencer Museum of Art Photography Intern Ellen Raimond, and will run from February 2 to May 18, 2008, at North Balcony Gallery. -- www.spencerart.ku.edu