Sots art became extremely influential during the 70s and 80s among nonconformist artists who sought to examine societal issues, mock Party ideology, highlight the grey, monotonous life that bore from Party policy, and above all, to mock a fundamental irony of Soviet life. The most daring of the Nonconformist Art became known as “Sots Art” – short for the Russian word for socialist. These artists drew inspiration from the avant-garde era and built upon the art styles with themes and political commentary on their experiences in the USSR. This art movement, Soviet Nonconformist Art, draws upon the art styles that had once bloomed at the turn of the century and gained international recognition only to be banned by Stalin’s repressive art policies. Once Nikita Khrushchev took power and denounced much of Stalin’s authoritarian policies, dissident artists began circulating works of art that went against the restrictive policies of Socialist Realism.Īlthough many of the penalties that existed under Stalin were relaxed, these artists still risked being imprisoned, harassed by the government, and impoverished for going against the strict parameters of Socialist Realism. In addition to being forced out of their positions, they were often sent to gulags, as was common for those considered to be undermining the success of Communism during Stalin’s Great Purges.Īfter 31 years in power persecuting anyone who went against Communist ideals, Joseph Stalin died in 1953. ![]() Artists who did not conform to the guidelines of Socialist Realism were prohibited from displaying their art or even purchasing art supplies. Art that furnished the walls of art museums were removed and put into storage where they collected dust for several decades. As a result, all existing artistic groups were dissolved and reorganized under strict control of the Communist Party. In 1932, however, Stalin introduced sweeping censorship laws known as Socialist Realism which established it as the only acceptable art style in the Soviet Union. ![]() The avant-garde movement had made its way to Russia, and avant-garde artists became enthralled with using abstract art to usher in equity and unity among all social classes. At the turn of the 19th century, Russian art was at its peak of artistic expression and experimentation.
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