Style & movement
Constructivism
An abstract movement based on geometric form, spatial construction and an interest in modern materials and production.
- Category
- Style & movement
- Index letter
- C
Understanding the term
Constructivism emerged in the early twentieth century and sought an active relationship between art, technology and society. Diagonals, circles, grids and spatial elements were treated as constructions rather than pictures of something else.
When Constructivism is used as a style label, it points to a family of formal qualities and ideas rather than a fixed recipe. Periods and movements overlap, and a single work may draw on several styles.
The label becomes more precise when considered alongside date, composition, colour, materials and historical context. A style can inspire work long after its original period, so appearance alone does not date an object.
Related entries
Continue through the glossary with terms from the same field.