Socialist realism

Socialist realism is a teleologically-oriented style of realistic art which has as its purpose the furtherance of the goals of socialism and communism. It should not be confused with social realism, a type of art that realistically depicts subjects of social concern, although it is related.

Roots of socialist realism

The political aspect of socialist realism was, in some respects, a continuation of pre-Soviet state policy. Censorship and attempts to control the content of art did not begin with the Soviets, but were a long-running feature of Russian life. The Tsarist government also appreciated the potentially disruptive effect of art and required all books to be cleared by the censor. Writers and artists in 19th century Imperial Russia became quite skilled at evading censorship by making their points without spelling it out in so many words. However, Soviet censors were not so easily evaded.

Related Topics:
Censorship - Tsar - 19th century - Imperial Russia

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In terms of its artistic heritage, socialist realism had its roots in neoclassicism and the traditions of realism in Russian literature of the 19th century that described the life of simple people. It was exemplified by the aesthetic philosophy of Maxim Gorki. The work of the Peredvizhniki ("Wanderers", a Russian realist movement of the late 19th / early 20th centuries), Jacques-Louis David and Ilya Yefimovich Repin were notable influences.

Related Topics:
Neoclassicism - Russian literature - Maxim Gorki - Peredvizhniki - Realist - Jacques-Louis David - Ilya Yefimovich Repin

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~