Rubbers of Rezinotrest 1924

Alexander Rodchenko made this poster for "Rubbers of Rezinotrest" sometime in the early 20th century using bold colours and striking, graphic shapes. The colours are like traffic lights, red and yellow! It's a kind of visual shout, an eye-catching way to communicate a message. It’s a process of bold choices, trusting the gut, and creating something that demands attention, even now! I am really struck by the camel, it's so peculiar. The animal feels like a collage of simple forms, a kind of simplified, geometric rendering. There is the silhouette of a figure sitting on a galosh or shoe. It’s this unexpected combination of elements that grabs you. The flatness of the image contributes to the works graphic punch. The camel is a muted grey, offering a visual contrast to the bright and bold colour scheme that surrounds it. Rodchenko's work reminds me a bit of Hannah Höch’s Dada collages, both playing with image and text to create something new. Art is a constant conversation, isn't it? It’s about taking what’s there, mixing it up, and seeing what emerges. It's never just one thing; it’s always a multitude of possibilities.