Copyright: Public domain
Boris Kustodiev made this poster to advertise subscriptions to the Izvestia newspaper in 1927, using bold colours and flat shapes to grab your attention. Kustodiev was a master of color, and here he uses a limited palette of reds, blues, and oranges. Look at how these colors are layered and juxtaposed, creating a sense of depth and vibrancy despite the flatness of the forms. The red of the building and clothing pops against the cool blues of the snowy landscape. I especially love the way he's handled the patterns on the clothing – a mix of folk-art-inspired motifs and abstract shapes that add a playful, decorative touch. It’s like he’s saying, “Don't just read the news, experience it!” His influence can be seen in the work of later artists like Philip Guston, who also embraced a playful, cartoonish style to tackle serious subjects. Ultimately, art is about finding new ways to see the world, and Kustodiev's poster is a great reminder of that.
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