El Lissitzky

Constructivist of the Russian Avant-Garde

Leo Lorez portrays the work of the Soviet Constructivist El Lissitzky as an architect, photographer, painter, typographer and designer of exhibitions. Lissitzky's life was that of a pre-war cosmopolitan. Born in 1890 in Smolensk, he went to Germany to study architecture in Darmstadt. He returned to Russia when Marc Chagall invited him to teach at the Vibetsk Art School. Under the influence of the Russian revolution and its fantastic vision of a future to be designed afresh, he became one of the most important artists of the avant-garde led by Malevich. In the 1920s he came in contact with the German Dadaist circle around Kurt Schwitters and Hans Arp. He created his `Prouns,' a new kind of visual grammar or unit of visual phenomena, which he declared to be `changing stations' from the two-dimensionality of the canvas to the three-dimensionality of architecture. His architectural projects which were never executed - the Lenin Tribune, a podium from which Lenin could address the masses, and the Wolkenbügel, a skyscraper in Moscow - are realized here by computer animation and shown as if at the sites they were originally planned for. The video draws on authentic picture and sound material, including sequences from Vertov's famous films and original quotes from Lissitzky himself, to portray him as a central figure in classical modern art.

`The cinematography is sharp, distinct, and well lit. Narration is kept to a minimum ... Lissitzky's legacy has such a contemporary but classic feel and appearance. Adults, students, and the general public will enjoy this portrait of the artist. For many, Lissitzky will be a serendipitous discovery. Recommended for both public library and college collections.' Video Rating Guide for Libraries, USA

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