Alexander Georgievich Ksenita’s The Beauty and the Wealth of Nature Depend on You and I, Comrade (1983), created for Agitplakat Don, reflects the evolving themes of late Soviet propaganda art. This work exists in two remarkable forms: an original oil on card sketch and the final silkscreen poster—an exceptionally rare complete set, as Soviet protocols typically mandated the destruction of preliminary sketches after approval. The poster marks a thematic departure from purely industrial and ideological content, reflecting growing Soviet awareness of environmental stewardship during the 1980s.
The composition is dominated by a young Soviet figure in a sharply rendered uniform, complete with a peaked cap bearing a distinctive emblem. His presence conveys both authority and duty, yet his gentle expression and the careful positioning of his open hand, cradling a small white bird, soften the image and imbue it with a sense of compassion and responsibility. This juxtaposition highlights the dual role of the Soviet citizen: disciplined protector and conscientious steward of the natural world. Behind him, a lush landscape stretches into the distance, filled with trees, marshes, and graceful white birds soaring through the sky. The vast natural setting serves as both a visual celebration of nature’s beauty and a subtle reminder of its fragility.
Ksenita’s restrained two-tone palette of calming blues and soft beige reflects the tranquil theme of the poster, while the clean lines and stylized natural elements reinforce the artist’s graphic precision. The uniform’s solid blue contrasts with the fluid lines of the background, creating a focal point that underscores the individual’s role within the collective task of environmental preservation. The poster’s calm aesthetic and empathetic tone stand in contrast to the bold urgency of earlier Soviet propaganda.
Alexander Georgievich Ksenita (born 1951) is a leading Soviet and Russian graphic artist and poster designer. Born in Rostov-on-Don, he studied at the M.B. Grekov Rostov Art School (1970-1974) and later specialised in industrial graphics at the Kharkov Art and Industrial Institute (1976-1981). Ksenita became known for his work with Agitplakat Don, creating posters on social and political themes. Key works include We Saved the World from the Brown Plague in a Fierce Battle! (1984) and In the Gym and Stadium, Prepare Yourself for Labour and Defence! (1987). His posters featured in major exhibitions, establishing him as a significant figure in Soviet graphic art.
The Beauty and the Wealth of Nature Depend on You and I, Comrade, 1983
MEDIUM
Gouache on card
DIMENSIONS
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70 H x 55 W