Final answer:
Lev Kuleshov is known for the Kuleshov Effect, a film editing technique that demonstrates how meaning is derived from the juxtaposition of images, which is fundamental to Soviet montage theory. Artists like Gustav Klutsis used similar principles in graphic art to convey socialist ideals, though they also faced criticism during anti-formalist campaigns in the Soviet Union.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lev Kuleshov was a pioneering Soviet filmmaker and theorist who is most renowned for what has become known as the Kuleshov Effect. His experiments involved editing together different shots to create meaning not inherent in each individual shot, thus suggesting that meaning in cinema is often constructed through film editing. Kuleshov's work had a significant influence on the development of Soviet montage theory, where filmmakers like Eisenstein further developed these ideas into a formalist approach to filmmaking. The principles of montage theory, as suggested by Kuleshov, argue that the juxtaposition of images can create new ideas and emotions that are not present in the images alone.
Gustav Klutsis also played a critical role during this period, leveraging his skills in photography and montage after constructivism to propagate socialist messages. Klutsis saw his creative output as a way to convey the revolutionary struggle and Soviet reality to the masses, transforming posters, books, illustrations, and postcards into mass conductors of Party slogans.
It is important to note that alongside the creative development of montage, the Soviet Union also experienced times of censorship and scrutiny. Artists like Koretskii faced criticism during anti-formalist campaigns, and the utility of art forms like photomontage was contested and eventually led to artists like Klutsis being attacked for their practices.