The 1971 poster "Let's Exercise, Exercise, Exercise" from the Lithuanian SSR is more than a vibrant call to physical fitness and athleticism; it's a reflection of a nationwide movement in the Soviet Union that intertwined sport, politics, and national identity.
From the early days of the Soviet government, physical fitness was promoted as a collective duty. Workers, soldiers, and peasants were encouraged to be fit and healthy to build the new country. The slogan "A healthy mind requires a healthy body" resonated across the nation, leading to the mass development of sport and physical culture. This poster, with its dynamic depiction of three individuals running, embodies this energy and determination.
The promotion of sport reached its zenith in the 1930s, with extravagant sporting parades on Red Square, blurring the lines between sport and politics. Voluntary sports associations flourished, with clubs and teams forming in collective farms, educational institutions, and enterprises. The largest voluntary sports association, Spartak, founded in 1935, boasted over 450,000 members by the mid-1950s.
This artwork captures the essence of an era when physical fitness was seen as a collective responsibility, contributing to the strength and vitality of the nation. The poster's design, featuring three figures in motion and the repeated text "Sportuokime," translating to "Let's Exercise," encapsulates the spirit of community, discipline, and the pursuit of physical excellence. It stands as a testament to a time when sport was not merely a personal pursuit but a state-driven initiative, reflecting the cultural values and political aspirations of the period.
