A traveling design show toured the U.S. 25 years ago to shed light on Soviet city life under a failing but reforming government.

“Concern (caring) — It’s work!” promotes the cultural importance of restoration and preservation while suggesting it’s worth the strenuous labor involved.
“Concern (caring) — It’s work!” promotes the cultural importance of restoration and preservation while suggesting it’s worth the strenuous labor involved. - “There was a giddy excitement about the West getting to know Russia as a friend rather than a foe,” says Miriello. “Today, in the era of Putin, we might look back on this time as a lost opportunity.” © Vasil’chenko, date unknown

Poster Art of the Soviet Union: A Window Into Soviet Life, was assembled by the San Diego chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) in 1989. After closing in 1990, the show made its way to AIGA chapters around the country from Seattle to Atlanta.

“For each family by the year 2000!” refers to the Soviet government’s goal at the time to provide housing for all of its citizens by the turn of the century. The poster depicts a wall filled with unanswered requests for apartment openings.
“For each family by the year 2000!” refers to the Soviet government’s goal at the time to provide housing for all of its citizens by the turn of the century. The poster depicts a wall filled with unanswered requests for apartment openings. - The posters, which tackle politics as well as social and artistic issues, were all designed between 1986 and 1989 by union members. Their message was revolutionary. Steven Heller describes them in the exhibit catalogue as “a dangerous step for this behemoth nation” and “not just examples of excellence in design, but… evidence of great social upheaval.” © Linnik, date unknown