Marxism in Russian Constructivism and Mexican Muralism

Introduction: Marx's Socialist Philosophy

In the history of political philosophy, Karl Marx revolutionized the social structure of society by introducing, in his discourse The Communist Manifesto, the concept of modern socialism. Marx posits that throughout human history there is an ongoing struggle between the oppressed and the oppressor, which he termed the proletariat and bourgeois societies, respectively. He argues that the continued oppression of the proletariat by the bourgeois class will eventually lead to social revolution, in which the proletariat will become the new dominant social class and will govern the social order. A distinct characteristic of Marx's concept of socialism is that it promotes state ownership, control of the means of production and distribution, and the reconstruction of capitalist and other political systems through peaceful and democratic means.

Through Marx's discourse on socialism, many artists were influenced by his proposed ideologies. Cultures in twentieth-century society took on the Marxist characteristic of being socialist, most notably in the Russian Constructivism and Mexican Mural movements.

Russian Constructivism and Marxist Ideology

Russia, one of the main proponents of socialist communism and an adherent of Marx's political philosophy, illustrated Marxist ideologies throughout its culture. Established in 1913, Russian Constructivism is a movement centered on the principles of abstraction, functionalism, and utilitarianism. These principles helped build the artistic ideology that all artworks must be easily understood by and useful to ordinary people. Evidently, Russian Constructivism subscribes to socialist principles, producing artworks that can be both appreciated and used by the public. A prime example of a Russian Constructivist artwork is Naum Gabo's Column (1923). This sculpture, composed of glass, plastic, and metal, is an abstract and constructivist work that employed industrial design methods, embodying the movement's commitment to art that serves society.

The Mexican Mural Movement and Socialist Principles

The Mexican Mural Movement similarly produced works of art accessible and meaningful to the public. Departing from the perception that art can only be appreciated by the elite, the movement aimed to create artworks that were nationalistic in theme and employed techniques uniquely identified with Mexican culture and society. Paintings were therefore no longer restricted to canvases; they could be viewed in public spaces and buildings, such as schools and government institutions.

Diego Rivera, one of the most celebrated painters of this movement, created La Civilización Tarasca, which depicts indigenous people of Mexico engaged in two activities deeply rooted in Mexico's cultural heritage: painting and the dyeing of fabric. Rivera's work uses bright colors and subjects that reflect traditional Mexican culture — hallmark characteristics of Mexican Mural Movement artworks. Like Russian Constructivism, the movement rejected elitist notions of art by making public murals the primary vehicle for socially engaged artistic expression.

Conclusion: Politics, Art, and Ideology

Indeed, principles of nationalism and utilitarianism are illustrations of the socialist ideology advocated by Karl Marx and by believers in his political philosophy. The Russian Constructivism and Mexican Mural movements are examples of art movements heavily influenced by politics, demonstrating that significant political ideologies pervade the psyche of society, shaping its culture and, in this case, its works of art.

Works Cited

Marx, Karl. The Communist Manifesto. W.W. Norton & Co., 1988.