Pedagogics 

This artwork, Pedagogics, was made by Pavel Filonov using pencil on paper. The stark monochrome of the pencil lends itself to the overall unsettling tone of the work. Filonov's skillful use of line and shading creates a dense, almost claustrophobic composition, mirroring the complexities of its subject. The artist’s hand is evident in the intricate details, from the skeletal figures to the industrial motifs. These aren’t traditional art materials or processes; they belong more to the world of political cartooning. There is clear social commentary here; the funnels, the human figures being poured in, the bottles labeled ‘kakao’ and ‘AXXR’ (Association of Artists of the Revolution) all speak to the cultural and political context of the Soviet era. The very act of drawing with pencil, a readily available and accessible material, speaks to the democratization of art, reflecting the social and political ideals of the time. Ultimately, the artwork’s power lies not just in what it depicts, but how it was made, revealing the social, political and cultural forces at play during its creation.