The concept of “avant-garde” in art is well-known. Yet, a definition often seems difficult. What exactly does “avant-garde” mean when we speak of art? Here is an attempt at a definition.

The term “avant-garde” etymologically comes from the French word “avant-garde,” meaning “vanguard,” which refers to the front line of an army, symbolizing those who are ahead of the general movement or trend. In art the term “avant-garde” refers to innovative, experimental, or groundbreaking movements that challenge traditional norms and push the boundaries of established forms. Avant-garde artists and thinkers aim to disrupt conventional ideas and provoke new ways of thinking, often with an emphasis on progress, experimentation, and the rejection of mainstream or established conventions.

The Russian Avant-Garde: A Brief Overview

The Russian avant-garde was a revolutionary art movement of the early 20th century. It emerged during political upheavals, aiming to break traditional art. Artists like Kazimir Malevich, with his famous “Black Square,” and Vladimir Tatlin combined art with new, innovative ideas. The movement influenced painting, architecture, and design. Despite its significance, it was heavily suppressed under Stalin but remains one of the most influential art movements in modern history.

In art history, the “Russian avant-garde” is particularly well-known. This blog will explore whether the art that emerged in Uzbekistan starting in the 1920s can be considered part of the Russian avant-garde or whether it constitutes a distinct style of its own.

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