Work, build and do not whine! (A. Deineka) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

In this Soviet propaganda poster titled Work, build and do not whine! by Alexander Deineka, the viewer is presented with a dynamic composition that embodies socialist ideals of labor, progress, and physical fitness.

What I see:

The most prominent figure is a muscular, athletic young woman in a white tank top and shorts, posed dynamically as if in motion, perhaps running or about to start a race. She looks strong and determined. Her gaze is directed slightly upwards and to the right, conveying a sense of optimism and ambition.

In the background, several scenes unfold that reinforce the posters message:

• Above and to the left: A group of runners, diverse in ethnicity, are depicted in mid-stride, representing athleticism and competition. Above them, a line of motorcycles, some on a track, signifies progress, industry, and perhaps military strength or rapid transportation.
• To the left and slightly below the runners: A young man is shown aiming a rifle, his body angled and focused. This element introduces a notion of readiness, defense, or perhaps marksmanship as a skill.
• Text: Large, bold Cyrillic text occupies the lower left quadrant. The text reads: Work, build and do not whine! The path to a new life is shown to us. You may not be an athlete, but you must be a physical culturist. Below this, the artists name and the year 1933 are visible.

Subtexts:

• Labor and Production: The overarching theme is the importance of hard work and constructive effort, as explicitly stated in the title and opening line. The imagery of motorcycles and industry supports this, suggesting a society focused on building and advancing.
• Physical Fitness and The Ideal Citizen: The emphasis on physical culture (физкультурник) is central. The poster promotes the idea that every Soviet citizen should participate in sports and physical activities, not just for personal health but as a civic duty. The athletic woman serves as an ideal, embodying strength, health, and socialist vitality. Even if one isnt a professional athlete, participation in physical training is presented as mandatory for a well-rounded and contributing member of society.
• Optimism and Progress: The upward gaze of the woman and the imagery of movement (runners, motorcycles) convey a message of forward momentum and a bright future under the Soviet system. The new life mentioned in the text points to the transformation promised by socialism.
• Discipline and Resilience: The phrase do not whine suggests an expectation of stoicism, hardiness, and a refusal to complain in the face of challenges. This aligns with the ideals of a strong, resilient nation.
• Defense and Readiness: The inclusion of the rifleman can be interpreted in several ways. It might suggest that physical fitness is also crucial for national defense, or it could symbolize the vigilance required to protect the gains of the revolution. It connects physical prowess with the security of the state.
• Collectivism vs. Individualism: While the athletic woman is the focal point, the runners of diverse ethnicities and the overall message of civic duty point towards a collective effort and shared responsibility for building a better society. The mandate to be a physical culturist is a collective expectation placed upon all citizens.
• Art as Propaganda: As a work from 1933, this poster is a prime example of socialist realism and its role in shaping public opinion and promoting the ideology of the state. The stylized, heroic depiction of the figures and the clear, directive message leave no room for ambiguity.

In essence, the poster uses strong visual and textual elements to encourage citizens to be physically fit, hardworking, and optimistic, contributing to the collective goal of building a prosperous and strong Soviet nation.