1914–1930s

Constructivism

Конструктивізм

Geometric, materials-driven art applied to design, typography, book covers and stage sets. Kharkiv, led by Vasyl Yermylov, was the centre of Ukrainian Constructivism; Meller and Petrytskyi brought it to the avant-garde stage.

Artists of the Movement

Oleksandr Bohomazov

1880–1930

Central theorist and painter of the Ukrainian avant-garde ('the unknown genius of Ukrainian Cubo-Futurism'); his 1914 treatise 'Painting and Elements' set out its theory.

Oleksandra Ekster

1882–1949

Leading figure of Ukrainian Cubo-Futurism and Constructivism; her Kyiv studio was the hub of the local avant-garde; celebrated theatre and film designer.

Vasyl Yermylov

1894–1968

Central figure of Kharkiv Constructivism; developed a distinctive constructivist collage and typographic style; co-founded the Kharkiv Technical Art Institute (1922).

Anatol Petrytskyi

1895–1964

Painter and leading Constructivist theatre designer of the Ukrainian avant-garde; painted 150+ portraits of Ukrainian cultural figures, most destroyed under Soviet repression.