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"The Motherland Calls Everyone to Fight Against Air and Water Pollution!" (1980s) by Viktor Konstantinovich Dorokhov marks a notable shift in Soviet propaganda, addressing environmental concerns rather than traditional political themes. Created during a period when industrial pollution was becoming a critical issue in the Soviet Union, the poster reflects the state’s growing recognition of ecological problems and the need for public awareness. This work, an oil-on-card design, was developed for the "Agitplakat Don" workshop, where Dorokhov was among the first artists.
The composition employs stark, impactful symbolism. A pink flamingo stands in polluted water, with its skeletal legs and head representing the destructive effects of industrial waste. A dead fish floats nearby, further emphasizing the toll on aquatic life. In the background, factory smokestacks emit dark clouds into a blue sky while waste pours into the water. Framed within a bold blue border containing the title text, the design creates a window-like effect that demands attention and underscores its urgent environmental message.
Dorokhov uses a deliberately limited color palette of pink, blue, black, and white, a hallmark of Soviet poster production constrained by technical and economic limits. His technique showcases a masterful interplay of simplified forms and bold contrasts, characteristic of Soviet poster art from this era. The stark, symbolic imagery is influenced by Soviet poster traditions, which often emphasized bold geometric forms, simplified compositions, and clear visual hierarchies to convey a direct message.
Viktor Konstantinovich Dorokhov (born 1952) was a Soviet graphic artist and poster designer, known for tackling socio-political themes. As a member of the Union of Artists of the RSFSR and an early contributor to the "Agitplakat Don" workshop, Dorokhov produced works that addressed issues such as alcoholism, idleness, nature preservation, and Cold War tensions.
The Motherland Calls Everyone to Fight Against Air and Water Pollution!, 1980s
MEDIUM
Oil on card
DIMENSIONS
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55 H x 35 W