History of Graphic Design - Fall 2011: Module 6

Il Lissitscky

After reading about Il Lissitsky (1890-1941), I wanted to know more about this graphic design visionary and his work, and how it is seen in design today. I decided to research the transformation of his work as he was exposed to, experimented with, and synthesized his work with artists of the western European Dada and De Stijl movements.

As noted in the textbook, the Constructionists renounced art for arts sake, and were intent on devoting themselves to art that served the new Communist society; a move from laboratory to practical application. Lissitsky took this idea further, and according to Meggs' History of Graphic Design, states he believed that ,”the artist/designer…would forge a unity between art and technology by constructing a new world of objects to provide mankind with a richer society and environment”.

Lissitsky’s dedication to these ideals led him to become a “conduit” between western European and Russian art movements. He lectured, disseminated new art trends through international periodicals such as Veshch (written in Russian, French and German), collaborated and studied with Dadaist and De Stijl artists, and made frequent visits to the Bauhaus. By doing all of this work, Lissitsky unified the new art movements into an international collective.

There are three stages I chose to focus on while developing a transformational timeline of Lissitsky’s work. The first is from his early days when he developed his architectural background, up until 1919. The second phase is during his directorship of the graphic workshop at the Vitebsk Art Institute (1919 - Unknown) where he met Malevich and developed his PROUNS style, (projects for the establishment, or affirmation, of new art). And, a third stage takes place during the early to late 1920’s when he travelled to Germany and the Netherlands, collaborated with Dada and De Stijl artists, and participated in a range of experimentation.

First Stage (up to 1919)

Solntse na izlete. Vtoraia kniga stikhov, 1913-1916

1916. Cover with letterpress illustration on front

U rek vavilonskikh. Natsional'no-evreiskaia lirika v mirovoi poezi

1917. Cover with letterpress illustration on front

Sikhes kholin. Prager legende

1917. Overall design; cover with letterpress illustration on front

Second Stage (1919 – Unknown)

Untitled from Proun

(1919-23). One lithograph with collage additions

from a portfolio of six lithographs, two with collage additions, composition

Neuer (New Man) from Figurinen, die Plastische Gestaltung der elektro-mechanischen Schau "Sieg über die Sonne" (Figurines: The Three-Dimensional Design of the Electro-Mechanical Show "Victory over the Sun")

(1920-21, published 1923). One from a portfolio of ten lithographs, composition