Worker And Kolkhoz Woman: A Soviet-era Monument Finds Its Way Back Into Moscow’s Landscape
Photo by Flickr user Intubator
Some call it the symbol of an era, others - a gigantic reminder of communism. The monument was gone for so long, Muscovites have almost forgotten about this enormity of a statue. But, the legendary 24-meter high monument of the Worker And Kolkhoz Woman is back next to Moscow's landmark All-Russia Exhibition Centre after six years of renovations. This ginormous 185-tonne statue was erected in 1939 and became the embodiment of the social ideals -- a mighty worker forging the nation's well-being with his hammer side by the side with an imposing Kolkhoz woman sure to feed the nation with her wheat-cutting sickle. The statue's idealistic design was bang on at the time, but is it relevant now? And, was it really worth it to spend six years of renovators' time and over a billion rubles to resurrect this symbol of the past? The grand re-opening of the monument was attended by hundreds of people, marked with fireworks and festivities. But, why all the buzz about the seemingly retrograde monument?
Well, the Worker And Kolkhoz Woman gained more of a cultural meaning throughout the years -- and the reason for that was the statue's use in movie pre-views. For millions of people in the Soviet Union, it became completely associated with movie openers -- much like the catchy tune and the sky-beaming projectors of the 20th century fox film studios that opened many of the Hollywood-made flicks. One of the biggest film production studios in the Soviet Union -- Mosfilm used the monument as their logo since 1947. Every movie made by Mosfilm opened with a video clip of the statue, so really any of the socialistic meanings that the statue's creators might have intended for it were pretty much erased by years of associations with the movie industry. So for one, I am glad to see the statue back, and not for any political reasons, but more for a nostalgic yearning to see a cultural symbol back.
December 10th, 2009 - 02:36
Neat story! Its so fascinating how symbols change over time.
March 8th, 2010 - 14:50
I am very proud because my dream was to see this statue back to the place that was before. I would like to thanks the all the Russians for making us proud to remember the old nostalgic days of the Soviet Art. Thanks for all, Love from Cyprus and i hope that someday i will visit your lovely country.