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The Image of Metro Builders in Easel Paintings and Graphics of the 1930s
https://doi.org/10.25281/2072-3156-2025-22-6-582-591
Abstract
The relevance of this article stems from the subject matter of the paintings and graphic works under consideration. It is imperative to examine the work of artists of the 1930s in the context of the creation of the image of one of the most important transportation and artistic projects of the time — the Moscow Metro. It is also worth mentioning one of the trends in modern urban development — the prioritization of public transport over private one. This is a global practice. Accordingly, the study of artistic material related to the capital’s underground transport, as well as the images created by artists of the past, is highly relevant.
The Moscow Metro has rarely been examined by researchers in the context of artistic works not related to architecture. The author believes this gap must be filled. The main focus of the article is the composition of the shock brigades of artists during the construction of the first phase of the Moscow Metro and the results of their work. The work of many famous Russian artists of the 20th century who addressed the theme of metro construction is analyzed: Alexander Labas, Alexander Samokhvalov, Fyodor Bogorodsky, Konstantin Istomin, as well as the Western artist Albert Abramovich. The works of artists whose names are undeservedly forgotten today are examined: Albert Abramovich and Boris Zenkevich.
About the Author
Alexander A. Polischuk
Russian State University of Design and Applied Arts (Stroganov University);National Research Nuclear University MEPHI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute);State Academic University for the Humanities
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Russian State University of Design and Applied Arts (Stroganov University),
9 Volokolamskoe Hwy, bldg 1, Moscow, 125080, Russia
National Research Nuclear University MEPHI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute),
31 Kashirskoe Hwy, Moscow, 115409, Russia
State Academic University for the Humanities,
26 Maronovsky Lane, Moscow, 119049, Russia
ORCID 0000-0002-5448-3859; SPIN 1347-3759;
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Review
For citations:
Polischuk A.A. The Image of Metro Builders in Easel Paintings and Graphics of the 1930s. Observatory of Culture. 2025;22(6):582-591. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.25281/2072-3156-2025-22-6-582-591
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