Drawn from TMORA’s important collection of Soviet-era posters, this exhibition highlights the paradox of the Soviet poster: both breathtakingly artistic and unapologetically idealogical. Soviet artists used unique, bold, and instantly recognizable graphic language to reach a broad audience with politically correct messages. And as in many other national cultures, posters were active tools conveying ideologies and representing political/national identities. At the same time, poster art of the Soviet era was by no means rigid. TMORA’s collection is extensive enough to trace the visual development of the poster as an art form. The exhibition explores the shift from experimental early works to tight formulaic imagery under Stalin, back to modernist aesthetics under Khrushchev, then entering a freeze under Brezhnev, and completely melting under Gorbachev.
The Museum of Russian Art is grateful to the collectors who have donated poster works to the Museum, including Gwenn and Eivind Djupedal, Igor Galynker, Dan Biersdorf, Carol Sime, and other generous donors.
Join us for Preview Night!
Be the first to experience Poster Art of the Soviet Era at a special Preview Night on Thursday, May 21, from 6:00–8:00 PM. Spend the evening in the galleries with live music by Twin Cities Hot Club, tea and curated sweets, and insights from Curator Dr. Masha Zavialova. All galleries and TMORA Shop will be open for exploring. Advance reservation recommended. LEARN MORE
Poster Art of the Soviet Era will be on view in the Main Gallery May 22 – September 27, 2026.
(Left to right, top to bottom):
Long Live the Komsomol!, 1924
Artist: Alexander Samokhvalov (1894-1971)
Aurora Art Publishers, Leningrad, 1986
TMORA Research Library
We Will Build a Mighty Soviet Blimp, 1931
Artist: Alexander Deineka
TMORA Research Library
The USSR is the Shock Brigade of the World Proletariat, 1931
Artist: Gustav Klutsis (1895-1944)
Aurora Art Publishers: Leningrad, 1986
TMORA Research Library
Glory to the Armed Forces of the Soviet Union!, 1950
Artist: Valentin P. Viktorov (1909-1981)
Iskusstvo State Publishers, 1950
Gift of Eivind and Gwenn Djupedal
Proletarians of All Nations, Unite!, 1968
Artist: Viktor Ivanov (1909-1968)
Izobrazitelnoe Iskusstvo Publishers, Moscow, 1968
Gift of Dan Biersdorf
27th Congress of the Communist Party of the USSR, 1986
Artist: Valentin P. Viktorov (1909-1981)
Plakat Publishers, Moscow, 1986
TMORA Research Collection
Party, Reform Yourself Until It’s Too Late!
Artist:Â Yurii B. Leonov
Plakat Publishers, Moscow, 1990
Gift of Igor Galynker
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