Constructivism vs WPA Poster

構成主義 / WPAポスター

Constructivism comes from Avant-garde and WPA Poster from Public Design. They are reached for with some of the same intent, which is where they get confused.

Constructivism

Constructivism — El Lissitzky《赤い楔で白を撃て》1919 — Wikimedia Commons / Public domainConstructivism — Liubov Popova《コンポジション》1917 — Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

Turns a message into motion with diagonals and hard contrast.

WPA Poster

WPA Poster — Harry Herzog / Federal Art Project, See America, 1936–40 — Library of Congress / No known restrictions on publicationWPA Poster — WPA『See America』1937頃 — Wikimedia Commons / Public domainWPA Poster — WPA連邦美術計画の展覧会ポスター — Wikimedia Commons / Public domain

Carries a public purpose broadly and forcefully through simple imagery and few printed colors.

ConstructivismWPA Poster
Era1910s–1930s1935–1943
FamilyAvant-gardePublic Design
KindStyleStyle
CuesRed, black and white / Diagonal axis / Photomontage / Imperative letteringSimplified landscapes / Bold sans-serifs / Screenprint color / A clear call to action
Best used forCampaigns that demand action · Delivering a strong statement in an instantInviting participation in community, culture and public services · One-glance positive action for many people
TypeHeavy condensed type in capitalsHeavy geometric sans in short imperatives
CompositionCollide photography and type along a diagonal spineOne symbolic place or figure, large; information confined to top and bottom
MaterialCoarse halftones, cut-out photos, three colors onlyThree to five flat colors, the paper's own tone, simple shading
CautionCarries strong propaganda associations. Check the ethics of context and message.Don't borrow only the nostalgia. Be clear about who is being asked to do what, publicly.

Put these two together

Avant-garde ／ Public Design

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