Soviet Women and their Art: The Spirit of Equality

This book explores the role of women in society, the representation of women in art, and the artistic practices of Soviet female artists during the early 20th century in the Soviet Union. It covers the period from the end of WWI and pre-Revolutionary Russia to Gorbachevs perestroika and the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 29 March 2019
Publisher: Unicorn Publishing Group

This groundbreaking publication offers a multi-faceted exploration of early 20th-century feminism and gender politics within the Soviet Union, in conjunction with the emergence and flourishing of prominent female artists and sculptors. Spanning from the aftermath of World War I and the pre-Revolutionary era in Russia to the era of Gorbachev's perestroika and the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the book comprises a comprehensive collection of essays authored by esteemed specialists in the field, academics, and independent scholars. These essays delve into significant events in Soviet history, art, and culture, while also examining the profound role of women in society, the representation of women in art, and the artistic practices of Soviet female artists.

The book begins by delving into the emergence of prominent female artists during the 1910s-1920s, who played pivotal roles in the Avant-garde movement. Subsequently, it explores the era of Stalin, which witnessed the rise of only a handful of outstanding female artists, such as V.Mukhina, who ascended to the pinnacle of the cultural and artistic elite. However, many female artists and sculptors faced obscurity, relegated to roles as stagedesigners or book illustrators.

The narrative then shifts to the era of Khrushchev's Thaw, which brought about a temporary and partial alleviation of the oppressive influence exerted by the Communist Party in all spheres of life, including the creative process. This period witnessed the emergence of Nonconformists, a new wave of artists, and a significant number of them were women. The book sheds light on the struggles and challenges faced by these female artists, who navigated a complex social and political landscape while striving to express their artistic visions and contribute to the evolving art scene of the Soviet Union.

Through its comprehensive analysis and engaging narratives, this publication provides a valuable contribution to the study of feminism, gender politics, and art history in the Soviet Union. It sheds light on the complex interplay between these factors and the artistic contributions of women, challenging prevailing narratives and offering a fresh perspective on a pivotal period in history.

Weight: 866g
Dimension: 188 x 238 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911604761