Socialist realism

Socialist realism

Socialist realism is a style of idealized realistic art developed and famous in the Soviet Union from 1932 to 1988 and in other socialist countries after World War II (Encyclopaedia Britannica 2021). The works of the Socialist realism style often depict life in the process of revolutionary development, highlighting and idealizing the historical role of the people. However, the primary purpose of socialist realism was to propagate and promote the Soviet ideals, especially the Party (Cary & Grossberg 1988). 

This ideology's figures are often highly idealized, have a "prevailing sense of optimism," and elevate the typical factory or agricultural worker by presenting their life, work, and recreation as admirable. Its purpose was to show how the success of the Party and the improvement of standard life as a result of the revolution (Richard 2004). Thus, Stalin described socialist realist artists as "engineers of the soul" (Richard 2004). 

Familiar images used in socialist realism are flowers, sunlight, a healthy body (angular face, toned muscles), youth, flight, industry, and new technology (Andrew 2012). The topics described will showcase the beauty of work and collective and individual achievements for the common good. In Vietnam, Socialist realism is also expressed in various genres such as films, paintings, literature, sculptures, etc. 

 

References: 

Encyclopaedia Britannica. 2021. Socialist Realism. "Socialist Realism." Last modified August 31, 2021 (29 May 2022).  

Ellis, Andrew. 2012. Socialist Realisms: Soviet Painting 1920–1970.Skira Editore S.p.A.

Nelson, Cary and Grossberg, Lawrence. 1988. Marxism and the Interpretation of Culture. Illinois: University of Illinois Press. 

Overy, Richard. 2004. The Dictators: Hitler's Germany, Stalin's Russia. New York City: W. W. Norton & Company.

Nguyen Van Trung

Figure 1 (left): https://brocanvas.com/tranh-co-dong-la-gi

Figure 1 (right): https://baotangphunu.org.vn/tranh-co-dong-dong-hanh-cung-lich-su-dat-nuoc/