World Cup: Hosts unveil Soviet-style Poster for Russia 2018

The poster features legendary Soviet-era goalkeeper, Lev Yashin.

Host country, Russia have unveiled a Soviet-style World Cup poster ahead of next year’s games, that features Ballon d'Or Winner, Lev Yashin.

The Poster was designed by the renowned Russian artist Igor Gurovich, whose choice it was to use the legendary goalkeeper, Yashin, as the focal point of the work. Russia’s deputy prime minister, Vitaly Mutko was also in attendance as the world cup poster was unveiled.

Uruguay started the tradition of world cup posters in 1930 with an art-deco style poster for the first ever world cup. Since then there have been very expressive and thematic posters.

For this edition, Gurovich chose a constructivist-style poster that exudes the greatest years of the Soviet Era when Russia emerged as a major world power.

ALSO READ: Andrew Randa made this super-cool concept design of the Super Eagles jersey

Lev Yashin, the focal point of the poster, is a Soviet goalkeeper considered by many to be the greatest ever in his position. He participated at four World Cups between 1958 and 1970 and remains the only goalkeeper to ever win the Ballon d'Or.

 

‘It was very important for us to portray Russia as the Host Country in the Official Poster,’ said Vitaly Mutko.

‘That’s why we chose Lev Yashin, a symbol of Russian football, as the main figure. I’m sure that the poster will become one of the most memorable symbols of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia and that fans and participants alike will approve of it.’

“The Official Poster of the 2018 FIFA World Cup is a true reflection of Russia’s artistic and football heritage,” commented FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura. “We are very proud of this beautiful landmark asset that portrays such an important icon and celebrates the coming tournament on Russian soil.”

ALSO READ: Super Eagles have the youngest team going to the World Cup

In the poster, Lev Yashin is depicted in his traditional style of black shirt and shorts, kneecaps and his famous cap.

He is shown leaping to catch the ball, one half of which is a typical football from Yashin’s era. The other half depicts the vast landmass of Russia as seen from space.

This aspect of Russia’s history, its achievement in space exploration, is seen to be a key reflection of the 2018 FIFA World Cup brand.

The rays of light emanating from the ball, a common feature of Constructivist work, symbolises the tournament’s energy. The circle of green represents the pitches of 12 stadiums in 11 Host Cities where the tournament’s 64 matches will be played. The  Final will be played on 15 July 2018 at the Luzhniki Stadium.

 

“The style of Soviet post-Constructivist posters from the 1920s and 1930s, their unique visual language, a new, fresh poetry of figurative images, became one of the most important and revered elements of Russian culture,” said Gurovich.

“This language is unquestionably thought of as Russian throughout the world. Therefore, in my work on the poster, I really wanted to make this language modern and relevant once again.”

The World Cup poster is seen as a valuable art piece and is a priced item for art collectors, aficionados and dealers across the world.

Nigeria’s national team will be hoping they can leave an impression on Russian soil as they wait for the outcome of the World Cup draw set to be held at the State Kremlin Place on Friday, December 1.

SOURCE - PULSE.NG posted by Campus94