In a small glass, In this here, A huge plant can drown. Out of the working-class, we will drive out those who drink! (Yang I., Chernomordik A.) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

The artwork presents a striking visual commentary on societal issues, specifically targeting alcohol consumption and its perceived impact on the working class. The composition is dominated by a grotesque caricature of a man holding a bottle aloft. His features are exaggerated – bulbous nose, receding hairline, and an expression suggesting both intoxication and a disturbing lack of self-awareness. The bottle itself appears disproportionately large relative to his head, emphasizing its overwhelming presence in his life.
Below the figure, a stylized cityscape rises, rendered in dark blues and yellows that suggest industrial activity and perhaps even pollution. This urban backdrop is visually connected to the man through a cascade of liquid pouring from the bottle, which seems to transform into smoke or vapor as it descends, further blurring the line between substance abuse and environmental degradation. The lower portion of the image features bold, red lettering proclaiming a forceful message against alcohol consumption within the working class.
The artist employs a stark contrast in color palette – the dark background intensifies the figure’s pallor and highlights the bottles transparency, drawing immediate attention to its contents. The overall aesthetic leans towards Constructivism or Agitprop, characteristic of Soviet-era propaganda, with its emphasis on bold graphics and direct messaging.
Subtly, the image suggests a connection between individual failings (alcoholism) and broader societal problems (industrial decline, class divisions). The phrase Out of the working-class, we will drive out those who drink! implies an attempt at social engineering, suggesting that sobriety is essential for collective progress. However, the exaggerated depiction of the man also hints at a degree of pity or even mockery, complicating the message and potentially inviting viewers to question the methods employed to achieve this progress. The work functions not merely as a condemnation of drinking but as a critique of the conditions that might lead individuals to seek solace in alcohol.