Art for the People: Lenin's Ideals and the Landscape of Revolution - November 1970

Art for the People: Lenin's Ideals and the Landscape of Revolution - November 1970

Vladimir Ilyich Lenin's (Vladimir Lenin) theory of art clearly defined the role that art should play in the building of the socialist state. His words, "Art belongs to the people," redefined art as a cultural activity rooted in the working masses, free from the tastes and luxuries of the elite. This philosophy deeply influenced the cultural policy of the Soviet Union and became an important pillar in the construction of post-revolutionary society.

Key Points of Lenin's Theory of Art
Education and Enlightenment of the Working Class
Through the arts, Lenin aimed to raise the consciousness of the working class, improve literacy, and spread the ideals of the new society. Theater and literature were the main means of achieving this.

The Power of the Arts in Everyday Life
Art should not be esoteric and abstract, but should be accessible to the masses and rooted in everyday life. This policy was reflected in the posters and propaganda films of the time.

Expressions Conveying the Spirit of the Revolution
Art was to play a role in supporting the ideals of the revolution and was used as a means of embodying the values of the socialist state. This called for the visual dissemination of the hopes of a new society.

Historical Background and Artists' Challenges
After the Russian Revolution of 1917, literacy and cultural unification became important issues in the Soviet Union. In this context, avant-garde artists such as Kazimir Malevich and Vladimir Tatlin challenged social reform through their free creative activities. Their innovative endeavors proved that art was not merely artistic expression, but had the power to shape society as a whole.

However, after Lenin's death, under the Stalinist regime, socialist realism became the official art form, and experimental expressive activities were suppressed. This change illustrates how Lenin's philosophy was later transformed.

Implications for Today
Lenin's theory of art still has important implications today for the impact of art on society. The possibility of social change through the arts and the nature of cultural activities accessible to all remain open for discussion.