Battleship Potemkin 1925

This poster for the film Battleship Potemkin was made by Alexander Rodchenko in the early Soviet Union. The lithographic printmaking process allowed for mass production and distribution, crucial for disseminating propaganda and revolutionary messages. Rodchenko's design integrates bold typography with photomontage, reflecting the Constructivist emphasis on functionality and industrial aesthetics. The striking contrast of blue and white, combined with the stark imagery of the baby carriage descending the steps, creates a dramatic visual impact. The steps are a brutal element and are repeated as a pattern in the design. The choice of these materials and techniques reflects the Soviet Union's focus on mass production and the use of art as a tool for social change. The poster’s impact lies in its synthesis of form and content, using modern design to convey the film's powerful message of revolution. By challenging traditional art boundaries, Rodchenko's poster demonstrates how design can serve as a potent form of political expression.