Lengiz. Books on all branches of knowledge. (Rodchenko A.) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

This is a striking Soviet avant-garde poster designed by Alexander Rodchenko in 1925. The central focus is a dynamic, black-and-white photograph of a woman, her mouth open as if shouting or announcing something with great fervor. She wears a headscarf, and her gesture of cupping her hand behind her ear implies she is either calling out or intensely listening.

Emerging from her open mouth, in bold, three-dimensional red lettering against a black background, is the word КНИГИ (Knigi), meaning Books. This visual metaphor suggests that knowledge, or books, are being broadcasted or disseminated with powerful energy from this woman.

The text ЛЕНГИЗ (Lengiz), an abbreviation for Leningrad State Publishing House, is prominently displayed in stark white lettering on black and red bands at the top and bottom of the poster. To the right of the Books proclamation, in a dark blue rectangle bordered by red and white geometric shapes, is the phrase ПО ВСЕМ ОТРАСЛЯМ ЗНАНИЯ (Po vsem otraslyam znaniya), translating to In All Branches of Knowledge. The overall design uses strong diagonals and bold, contrasting colors (red, black, white, blue, and a muted green) characteristic of Constructivism, aiming to capture attention and convey a sense of urgency and progress.

Subtexts:

• Propaganda for Literacy and Knowledge: The poster is a powerful piece of propaganda for the Soviet states emphasis on education and the dissemination of knowledge. The dynamic image of the woman and the forceful word Books suggest that acquiring knowledge is an active, engaging, and essential pursuit for the masses. The phrase All Branches of Knowledge emphasizes the comprehensiveness of the offerings from Lengiz, aiming to appeal to a wide audience with diverse intellectual interests.
• The Power of the Spoken and Written Word: The visual of the womans open mouth acting as a source for the word Books links the power of communication – both spoken and written – to the printed word. It implies that knowledge itself is a powerful force that can be shared and spread.
• Modernity and Progress: The bold, abstract geometric design, the photographic element, and the dynamic composition are all hallmarks of the Constructivist movement, which was closely tied to the ideals of the Bolshevik Revolution. This style represented a break from traditional art forms and symbolized a new, modern, and forward-looking Soviet society.
• The Role of the Individual in Disseminating Knowledge: The woman, depicted with such energy, could be seen as a representation of the Soviet people or a specific individual actively engaging with and promoting the spread of information and education. Her enthusiastic expression suggests that learning is not a passive activity but an exciting and beneficial one. The poster aims to ignite this enthusiasm in the viewer.