Diana Thompson Computer DrawingType-based Project

1. Project StatementI decided to create an illustration using Vladimir Mayakovsky because I grew up reading his poems. I also want to introduce my audience to a foreign poet and writer. The relevance of Mayakovsky’s influence cannot be limited to Soviet poetry. While for years he was considered the Soviet poet par excellence, he also changed the perceptions of poetry in wider 20th century culture. His political activism as a propagandistic agitator was rarely understood and often looked upon unfavorably by contemporaries, even close friends like Boris Pasternak. Near the end of the 1920s, Mayakovsky became increasingly disillusioned with the course the Soviet Union was taking under Joseph Stalin: his satirical plays The Bedbug (Клоп, 1929) and The Bathhouse (Баня, 1930), which deal with the Soviet philistinism and bureaucracy, illustrate this development.On the evening of April 14, 1930, Mayakovsky shot himself. The unfinished poem in his suicide note read, in part:And so they say-“the incident dissolved”the love boat smashed upon the dreary routine.I’m through with lifeand [we] should absolvefrom mutual hurts, afflictions and spleen.

2. Target AudiencePeople interested in foreign literature

3. Objectives I want to introduce a Russian poet, who’s personal story is fascinating and tragic at the same time.

4. Obstacles Non-russian individuals or people who stay away from literature and politics might not fully under-stand (or recognize) the illustration.

5. Key Benefit People will have a better understanding of Soviet literacy.

6. Support StatementThe relevance of Mayakovsky’s influence cannot be limited to Soviet poetry. While for years he was considered the Soviet poet par excellence, he also changed the perceptions of poetry in wider 20th century culture.

7. ToneStrong, dark, dramatic

8. Media Print/Digital Illustration/Type Based Illustration

Research

Research

Research (USSR era posters)

Process

Final

Vladimir Mayakovsky