The Strugatsky Brothers were an author duo which rose to fame during the 1960′s as science fiction writers. Their books initially were lauding the way of Soviet thought, they later very quietly spoke of the downfalls of Soviet society. For example, Noon: 22nd Century, published in 1962, praised the science that was commonly attributed to […]
Tag Archive for Art
Bad Art and a Russian Bastard
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After the Thaw, the arts were allowed to flourish, under certain guidelines. The artists’ union, which had existed since collectivization campaign, lessened their restrictions. Modern art emerged, and art for the sake of art became the prevailing trend. Art could … Continue reading →
Between a Rock and a Red Place
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Opera censorship in 1936The cultural reformation in Soviet culture during 1936 caused controversy and contradictions, as the government castigated the creativity and innovation that it once supported. The primary victims of this artistic purge included poet Demyan Bedny and avant-garde composer Dmitri Shostakovitch, as their personal lives and creative work suffered because of the Soviets’ lack of…
Socialist Realism
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Socialist Realism was the name of the game in Soviet Russia. It was art with a purpose. The goal of this state-sponsored art form, according to Lenin, was to create an entirely new type of human being: The New Soviet … Continue reading →
Don’t Drink the Kool-aid, Comrade
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Stalin’s Cult of Personality: By the end of the 1930s, the cultural war against bourgeouis culture was still in full flower. The Writers’ Congress in 1936 set a new style for literature. Although the Congress allowed professional writers to be … Continue reading →
Chapaev: revolutionary leader turned cinema icon
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When it comes to Soviet cinema, few films eclipse Chapaev in both popularity and quality for its time. Upon release in 1934, Chapaev became an instant classic. Such widespread appeal across Russian society was due to the sheer patriotism and pride in the revolution elicited from the characters and scenes. To give a brief synopsis without spoiling […]