I'm doing a project on Russian art, and I'm kinda confused. These are some things I got down. They're just jumbled thoughts. But did communism ending cause the renaissance?

Since Russia was a communist country, art used to be used to make the government look good. Art wasn't being used for expression.

When Russia was coming out of communism, they were able to express themselves more freely. Therefore, people started making art for the purpose of expressing themselves.

Russia had what you could call a 'delayed renaissance'. Dramatic westernization occurred while Peter the Great was ruler. Art from the western countries began to influence Russian art.

Communism was initiated in Russia in 1917 after the Revolution got rid of the czars. Communism essentially ended when the Soviet Union fell apart in 1991.

These sites should help you.

http://www.bucknell.edu/x17613.xml

http://www.russia-ic.com/culture_art/visual_arts/170/

http://www.infoplease.com/spot/russiatime1.html

Thank you! :D

You're welcome.

It seems like you have some interesting ideas about the relationship between communism, the end of communism, and the renaissance in Russian art. Let me help clarify some points for you.

Firstly, it's important to note that the Renaissance was a historical period that occurred in Europe from the 14th to the 17th century, during which there was a resurgence of interest in art, science, and exploration. The end of communism in Russia did not directly cause a renaissance in the same sense as the historical Renaissance.

However, the end of communism did have a significant impact on the development of Russian art. During the communist regime, art in Russia was often used as a tool for propaganda, serving the interests of the government and promoting socialist values. Artists were expected to produce works that glorified the state and its ideology, limiting their creative freedom.

With the collapse of communism in the 1990s, there was a shift in the societal and cultural landscape of Russia. The newfound freedom of expression allowed artists to explore new ideas, themes, and artistic styles in their work. This opening up of creative possibilities contributed to a flourishing of artistic expression.

Regarding the notion of a "delayed renaissance," it is worth noting that Russia indeed underwent periods of westernization, particularly during the reign of Peter the Great in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. This period saw a strong influence from Western European art and culture, as Peter the Great sought to modernize Russia and establish it as a more European-oriented state. The influence of Western art continued to be felt in subsequent periods, with Russian artists incorporating Western styles and techniques into their work.

In summary, while the end of communism did not directly cause a renaissance in the traditional sense, it did lead to an era of increased artistic freedom and expression in Russia. The influence of Western art, which had been significant during periods of westernization in Russia's history, also continued to shape Russian art in various ways.