Soviet Art

USSR Culture

Soviet graphic artist Viktor Ivanovich Govorkov

"No to alcohol!" (1954). Soviet graphic artist Viktor Ivanovich Govorkov (18 November 1906 - 13 June 1974)

Perhaps, the most famous poster of the USSR period “No to alcohol!” (1954). Soviet graphic artist Viktor Ivanovich Govorkov (18 November 1906 – 13 June 1974)

Soviet graphic artist Viktor Ivanovich Govorkov
Born on November 18, 1906 in Vladivostok, Viktor Ivanovich Govorkov was a bright representative of Soviet Art. Member of the USSR Union of Artists, Honored Artist of the RSFSR (1971). Known, first of all, as the author of numerous propaganda posters on various themes. In particular, foreign and domestic politics, sports, fighting alcoholism and hooliganism. Worked in the field of journal and newspaper cartoons, and book graphics.
Viktor Ivanovich Govorkov studied in Moscow VKhUTEIN from 1926 to 1930. Noteworthy, his teachers were prominent Soviet artists – SV Gerasimov, DS Moor and VA Favorsky. His thesis work was a sketch of a panel for the decoration of Red Square by May 1 (1930). Having started as a painter, Govorkov, however, later worked exclusively in book graphics and a poster.

Soviet graphic artist Viktor Ivanovich Govorkov

“Stalin cares about each of us in the Kremlin” (1940). Soviet graphic artist Viktor Ivanovich Govorkov

Meanwhile, in 1931, after returning from the army, Govorkov created a series of political posters, including satirical. Participated in many all-Union and international exhibitions. His agitation posters included the essential themes of the USSR of a certain period. In particular, collectivization, industrialization, politics, war theme and family values. Noteworthy, Govorkov was also the author of several genre paintings.

For happy childhood thank you comrade Stalin. 1934

For happy childhood thank you comrade Stalin. 1934

Posters created by Soviet graphic artist Viktor Ivanovich Govorkov:
“Collective farmers and individual farmers! We will give the bread to the state on an obligation, in full and on time!”(1933)”;
“The collective farmer, guard your fields against class enemies! “(1933);
“Your lamp, comrade engineer!” (1933);
“To the Soviet country – the Soviet bogatyrs!” (1935);
“All world records should be ours” (1935);
“Thanks to beloved Stalin – for a happy childhood!” (1936);
“Happy are those born under a Soviet star!” (1936);
“Guard the socialist harvest” ( 1936);
“Citizens of the USSR have the right to rest” (1937);
“Stalin cares about each of us in the Kremlin” (1940);
“I am proud of my son” (1940);
“Our country is glorious with our heroes” (1941);
“Defeat the enemy” (1943);
“New Home!” (1946);
“Cinema to the masses!” (1946);
“At the time of the worker plow at night” (1947);
“Do not indulge” (1948);
“My pupil!” (1948);
“Honor the family!” (1944);
“We shall win the drought!” (1949);
“No to alcohol!” (1954);
“Field work does not wait” (1954);
“Hello, countrymen” (1956);
“The young engineer, to the shop!” (1956);
“The whole family to new places!” (1957);
“The vice is beyond the threshold! ..” (1959);
“You earn as much as you work.” (1964);
“Earn praise!” (1965);
“The Party speaks with the people in the language of truth” (1967);
“Let’s drive out the drinkers from the working-class “.

Soviet graphic artist Viktor Ivanovich Govorkov

Soviet graphic artist Viktor Ivanovich Govorkov

Don’t even try. 1947. Soviet graphic artist Viktor Ivanovich Govorkov (1906-1974)

Viktor Ivanovich Govorkov was a permanent participant of exhibitions of Soviet art since 1931. Among them: “Anti-imperialist exhibition dedicated to the International Red Day”, the Soviet poster (1948), All-Union art exhibitions (1951, 1952, 1954, 1955, 1957, 1958). In addition, Exhibition to the 1st All-Union Congress of Soviet Artists (1957), and “Soviet Political Poster for 50 Years” (1967) in Moscow. Also, All-Union Poster Exhibitions (1959, 1963) in Kiev, Moscow and others.

Amateur Theater. Painting by Viktor Govorkov

Amateur Theater. Painting by Viktor Govorkov

As a poster artist he worked in many publishing houses of Moscow and the creative association of the Agricultural Union “Agitplakat”, where he carried out, mainly, posters on an agricultural theme. His posters always differ by some convention of drawing, careful modeling of volume, thin color harmony and accurate execution.

The works of VI Govorkov are in many art museums of the former USSR. In particular, The Russian State Library (RSL), the Seaside State Picture Gallery, as well as in private collections in Russia and abroad.

Cinema - to every district and village. 1946

Cinema – to every district and village. 1946

Cultural trade. 1949

Cultural trade. 1949

Don't even try. 1947. Viktor Govorkov (1906-1974)

Don’t even try. 1947. Viktor Govorkov (1906-1974)

Earn praise. 1965

Earn praise. 1965

Empty words and military bases. 1952

Empty words and military bases. 1952

Everybody understands the language of Peace

Everybody understands the language of Peace

Give cinema to people

Give cinema to people

Honor the honor of the family

Honor the honor of the family

I am proud of my son. Poster. 1941. Artist Viktor Govorkov (1906-1974)

I am proud of my son. Poster. 1941. Artist Viktor Govorkov (1906-1974)

Let's choose worthy, 1947

Let’s choose worthy, 1947

Our country is glorious with our heroes, 1941

Our country is glorious with our heroes, 1941

People's dreams come true

People’s dreams come true

sketch of the 'Russian Language' poster. 1950s

sketch of the ‘Russian Language’ poster. 1950s

Soviet people, from milkmaid to engineer rule the state

Soviet people, from milkmaid to engineer rule the state

Sporty Spring

Sporty Spring

The deputy is the servant of the people

The deputy is the servant of the people

The lessons of drawing, music and singing will add to the schoolboy's culture, without a doubt. (1959)

The lessons of drawing, music and singing will add to the schoolboy’s culture, without a doubt. (1959)

You earn as much as you work. 1964

You earn as much as you work. 1964