Moscow: Soviet Mosaics from 1935 to 1990: Art for Architecture

The book "Mosaics of the Soviet Era" showcases 140 Soviet-era mosaics, arranged in chronological order, and includes a list of 295 identified mosaics. It highlights well-known works by artists alongside those by lesser-known artists, shedding light on the artistic heritage of the Soviet Union.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 420 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2022
Publisher: DOM Publishers

Throughout the Soviet Union, monumental mosaics were created, but they held a particularly significant place in its capital. While monumental mosaics became more prevalent in other Soviet cities and republics in the 1960s, Moscow's metro stations, cultural palaces, military museums, hospitals, schools, and prefabricated houses served as a testament to the entire history of Soviet art. Unfortunately, many of these remarkable works are now disappearing before our eyes, victims of destruction or dismantling. The majority of these mosaics are not listed as under state protection, and the identities of their authors remain largely unknown.

To address this issue, this book has been compiled, presenting a collection of 140 Soviet-era mosaics arranged in chronological order. It is divided into four main sections: Art Deco, Socialist Realism, Modernism, and Postmodernism. Additionally, a comprehensive list of 295 identified mosaics is included, showcasing the works of renowned artists such as Aleksander Deyneka, Pavel Korin, Boris Chernyshev, Evgeny Ablin, Yury Korolev, and Leonid Polishchuk alongside mosaics by artists whose names had been overlooked in the history of art and architecture for a long time.

The idea for this book originated from American photographer James Hill, who dedicated three years to seeking out and photographing works of Soviet monumental art that had not received the attention they deserved and had often been dismissed as propaganda in the post-Soviet period. Hill's passion for these works and his dedication to showcasing them to a wider audience are evident in the pages of this book, which serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the rich artistic heritage of the Soviet Union.

As we witness the disappearance of these monumental mosaics, it is crucial that we recognize the importance of preserving and protecting these works of art for future generations. By acknowledging their significance and taking steps to safeguard them, we can ensure that the legacy of Soviet art continues to thrive and inspire future generations.

Dimension: 245 x 135 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783869220680