Exhibition of works of the press, published in 1910. Books, newspapers, magazines, prints, posters, etc. (V. Taburin) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

The composition presents a scene dominated by stark contrasts in color and form, centered around an exhibition of printed materials from 1910. A man with a thick beard and intense gaze occupies the right side of the frame, seated at a desk piled high with newspapers, books, and other publications. He appears to be deeply engrossed in his work, perhaps reading or writing. The light source, positioned above and slightly to the left, casts dramatic shadows across his face and the surrounding objects, emphasizing their textures and forms.
The background is divided into two distinct zones: a vibrant orange-red plane that angles sharply downwards from the upper left corner, and a darker area containing text in Cyrillic script. The typography itself is prominent, arranged to create visual interest alongside the imagery. The title of the exhibition, Exhibition of Works of the Press, is rendered in large, bold lettering at the top, while lists of publications – books, newspapers, magazines, articles, and prints – are stacked vertically along the left edge. A price for admission (30 kopecks) is displayed near the bottom.
The artist’s choice of color palette contributes significantly to the overall mood. The intense red-orange evokes a sense of urgency and dynamism, while the darker tones create an atmosphere of seriousness and intellectual engagement. The mans posture and expression suggest dedication and perhaps even exhaustion, hinting at the labor involved in producing printed materials.
Beyond the literal depiction of an exhibition, the work seems to explore themes of literacy, information dissemination, and the role of the press in society. The sheer volume of publications suggests a flourishing print culture, while the solitary figure immersed in his reading or writing implies the individual’s engagement with this cultural landscape. Theres a sense of both celebration and perhaps a subtle commentary on the relentless flow of information – the man is surrounded by it, almost overwhelmed. The composition conveys an impression of a pivotal moment in history, where mass media was rapidly transforming society.