constructivism

[ kuhn-struhk-tuh-viz-uhm ]

noun

, (sometimes initial capital letter)

1. Fine Arts. a nonrepresentational style of art developed by a group of Russian artists principally in the early 20th century, characterized chiefly by a severely formal organization of mass, volume, and space, and by the employment of modern industrial materials. Compare suprematism.
2. Theater. a style of scenic design characterized by abstraction, simplification, and stylization rather than realistic imitation.

constructivism

/ kənˈstrʌktɪˌvɪzəm /

noun

1. a movement in abstract art evolved in Russia after World War I, primarily by Naum Gabo, which explored the use of movement and machine-age materials in sculpture and had considerable influence on modern art and architecture
2. philosophy the theory that mathematical entities do not exist independently of our construction of them Compare intuitionism finitism

Derived Forms

• conˈstructivist, adjectivenoun

Other Words From

• con·structiv·ist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of constructivism¹

First recorded in 1920–25; constructive + -ism

Example Sentences

It showcases a collection of about 70 artworks in various formats representing different trends, from figurative art to futurism and constructivism.

From Reuters

He traveled around Europe to learn about different building styles — art deco in Lisbon, constructivism in Moscow.

From Washington Post

Indignation is not the only element in this series, which takes its style from Russian constructivism and its two-color scheme from the Risograph, a Japanese duplicating machine.

From Washington Post

“He was combining the abstract forms of Russian constructivism with New England architecture,” she said.

From New York Times

Alas, there are still plenty of people who think, with Nick Wilding, that ‘social constructivism does not go nearly far enough.’

From Literature