Culver City,
California
x
Maker: Aleksandr Amelin
Triumphal Procession of Socialism
Date Made: 1990
Country: Soviet Union
Measurements: 60 cm x 90 cm; 23 5/8 in x 35 7/16 in
In this work, a series of historic-looking arches receding in space praise the “Triumphal Procession of Socialism” through their carvings of Soviet workers and Soviet symbols, as well as through the word “Hooray!!!” written on the second arch and “!!!” on the third. The first arch has the image of a Soviet man and woman farmer on either side, the second has a depiction of grains on one side and a black space on the other, and the third has the hint of feet from a sculpture resembling Vera Mukhina’s Worker and Kolkhoz woman. As the march of arches continues, the celebratory tone of the painting lessens, for the repetition of the arches also ridicules the idea of excessive worship. The arches diminish in size as they get more distant in a seemingly endless procession, indicating that Soviet accomplishments lead to nowhere except the darkness and emptiness of the future. The arches are placed on a snowy, rocky surface with a black sky.
Accession Number: 2009.053.038
Item Name: Painting
Credit Line: The Ferris Russian Collection, Donated by Tom and Jeri Ferris
Collection/Series: The Ferris Russian Collection, Donated by Tom and Jeri Ferris