Poster Leningrad Department of State Publishing (Lengiz) 1925

Boris Kustodiev made this poster for the Leningrad Department of State Publishing around 1925, and I like how the colours feel muted, earthy, like it's not shouting at you but inviting you in. It’s almost as though the colours have been aged. The texture is really interesting, particularly in the sky where you can see these layered, wave like marks in the background. The artist probably used diluted paint, like a wash, to create a sense of depth. I am drawn to the central figure of the worker with the axe and the rod, the lines are strong and bold, like a graphic novel! It's so physical! Kustodiev was known for his portraits and genre scenes, often depicting merchants and everyday life in Russia. This poster feels connected to that tradition, but with a modern twist. It reminds me a bit of the German Expressionist, Otto Dix, in how he captured the mood of the time with such directness. Art is always a conversation, isn't it?