We will execute the plan of great works (G. Klutsis) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

This is a Soviet propaganda poster by Gustav Klutsis from 1930. The dominant image is a large, black-and-white rendered human hand, outstretched with its palm facing slightly upwards. The hand is positioned diagonally across the red background, from the bottom right to the upper left.

Beneath and to the right of the large hand, a multitude of smaller hands are depicted, stretching upwards. These hands appear to rise from a crowd of diverse faces, predominantly men, but also some women, with expressions of determination and hope. The faces include depictions of various Soviet citizens, suggesting a collective effort.

Superimposed on the poster, in bold white lettering, are the words ВЕЛИКИХ РАБОТ (Great Works) in large font on the left, and ВЫПОЛНИМ ПЛАН (We Will Fulfill the Plan) in smaller font in the upper right corner, positioned alongside the thumb of the large hand.

Subtexts:

• Collective Effort and Unity: The juxtaposition of the large, protective hand with the multitude of smaller, aspiring hands signifies the power of collective action. It suggests that individual efforts are amplified and supported by the larger structure of the Soviet state and its citizens.
• Fulfillment of Goals: The phrase We Will Fulfill the Plan is a direct call to action, emphasizing the importance of achieving the ambitious socio-economic goals set by the Soviet government at the time, likely referring to the Five-Year Plans.
• Aspiration and Progress: The upward thrust of the hands and the hopeful faces of the citizens convey a sense of aspiration towards a better future, driven by hard work and commitment to the national plan.
• Labor and Productivity: The Great Works refer to large-scale industrial and agricultural projects, central to the Soviet industrialization drive. The poster aims to mobilize the populace to contribute to these monumental tasks.
• Leadership and Support: The dominant large hand can be interpreted as representing the leadership or the Soviet state itself, providing a framework and support for the collective endeavors of the people.
• Optimism and Faith: The overall tone is one of optimism and unwavering faith in the socialist project and the ability of the Soviet people to achieve extraordinary results through organized effort.