Authors

Olga Isaeva¹;  ¹ University of Bonn , Germany

Discussion

Using a transcultural approach, this paper examines the artistic development of the Russian artist Varvara Bubnova in Japan during the 1920s and 1930s. During this period, she sought to "translate" the principles of Constructivism and the ideals of the Russian Revolution into the context of the Japanese avant-gardes.
 From the upheaval of World War I and the Russian Revolution to Japan's escalating militarization in the 1930s and the chaos of World War II, Bubnova's biography is deeply intertwined with periods of revolution and conflict. Avant-garde movements have often been shaped by such disruptions, aligning with their self-image as revolutionaries or rebels, while also using these moments to advance their missions or adapt to new circumstances. For Bubnova, these challenges became opportunities to pursue her mission, adapting and reevaluating her work in response to the changing landscape.
 However, Bubnova faced significant challenges and rejections, which rendered her attempt at "translation" largely unsuccessful. In response, she made a radical decision to pivot away from oil painting and instead embraced lithography, a printmaking technique that was relatively unknown in Japan. As an immigrant, Bubnova needed to adapt to her new environment and carve out her own position. By turning to printmaking, she fulfilled her desire to create art that was affordable, accessible, and democratic.