Russian Constructivists once pioneered a visual language that has profoundly affected the course of graphic design in the 20th century. Largely thanks to them, the poster became a primary tool of political persuasion and propaganda.

In the wake of current political turmoil, the poster once again becomes a viable medium of political agitation in Russia. Russia Rising: Votes for Freedom, an exhibition on view at the School of Visual Arts September 4–22, highlights 30 original posters created in support of democracy in that country. The show's co-curator Misha Beletsky will examine the century of Russian propaganda poster to place these works in historical context.

Misha Beletsky has been the Art Director of Abbeville Press, a publisher of fine illustrated books for over a decade. He is the author of The Book Jackets of Ismar David: A Calligraphic Legacy, published by RIT Cary Graphic Arts Press and The Noblest Roman: A History of The Centaur Type of Bruce Rogers (with Jerry Kelly), forthcoming form The Typophiles later this year. For more information, visit his website at www.mishabeletsky.com