REJECTING SOVIET VALUES OF IMAGE-MAKING
I saw these gorgeous prints at the V&A last weekend. In a collection of post-soviet printmaking, the work of Olga and Alexander Florensky seemed to really celebrate colour and shape. Through the use of numbers and titles, these images seem to echo children's alphabet books or encyclopaedias. The text fosters a cut-out aesthetic, complimenting the seemingly child orientated aesthetic of these images through the playful qualities. Direct and limited language supports graphic black and white images, grounded on bold block colours. Colour here seems to contribute to the encyclopaedia aesthetic by creating immediate visual divisions. Visible from just the tank and fish is the value of line. Dashes and arrows direct the line of sight an enhance a sense of action in these images. Composition is well considered with central text, allowing the figurative elements to occupy space as necessary to their context.
As a series, the prints have a real immediacy and power to them through their graphic qualities and bold colour palettes. In regards to the post-soviet context, in is interesting that these prints celebrate very reduced and simplified components, rebelling against the values of soviet-realism.
This illustration also stood out as being full of charm and narrative. Despite the macabre subject matter, the child-art aesthetic appears so playful and delicate, creating humorous characters. Mark making and tone here seems to achieve a really delicate texture, enhancing the charm of the overall image.
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