| |
Alexander Rodchenko
Vladimir Mayakovsky at the Beach
1928 (ca)
Silver print
6 3/4 x 4 3/4 in (17.1 x 12.1 cm)
Swann Galleries - New York
Courtesy of Swann Galleries (Auction, Feb 7, 2008, #2135, Lot 58)
LL/27099
With Rodchenko's signature, in pencil, and notations on verso.
Alexander Rodchenko was a graphic designer and painter before turning to photomontage and photography. From 1923 to 1928 he often collaborated with Vladimir Mayakovsky on the design and layout of Constructivist publications "Lef" and "Novye Lef." Many of Rodchenko''s photographs were used in, or appeared as, covers on these journals. His pictures did not include unnecessary detail but concentrated on the placement of subjects and objects in the spatial plane and often emphasized a diagonal line in the composition.
In this wonderful picture Mayakovsky is clearly enjoying a break from work but, nonetheless, is photographed by his photographer partner. In Rodchenko''s anthology, "Experiments for the Future," he speaks about his collaboration with Mayakovsky in the design of advertising campaigns for state companies. Their trademark was "Advertising-Constructor MAYAKOVSKY-RODCHENKO;" together they made about fifty posters, packages, wrappers, approximately one hundred billboards, advertisements, and illustrations.
| |
