In many ways developments of new artistic styles can be compared to new developments in thought and understanding. In Russian artist Liubov Popova’s work the use of industrial settings and the ‘manufactured’ look of her work reflects Russia’s move towards industrialization. Its standard look and Popova’s own acceptance as a significant artist who also was a women shows gender equality.
This particular photomontage provides insights into Russian thinking and events happening at the time it was created. On the far left there is a military or industrial worker standing on a red platform. Just above his head is a red flag with the communist star on it. On the bottom right there is a picture of a soldier with a mask over his face. In the center of the montage there is a pilot looking down at the X-d out image of four leaders or possibly former Russian war heroes. In the lower right hand corner there is a picture of an automobile. All these figures and images are surrounded by the beams and cranes of industry. In 1922, just a year before this image was created, Lenin suffered a stroke putting Stalin in charge of Russia’s new Communist government. The contrast between the X-d out men in the center and the industrial setting suggests the end of old Russia and anticipates Stalin’s aggressive move towards industrialization. This work also suggests the standardization of Russian life in a Communist Totalitarian Dictatorship. (Chap. 28 Age of Anxiety)
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