For the Siberia Pavilion (VSKHV)?

Valentina Kulagina trained as a painter and graphic designer in Moscow, including studies at VkhUTEMAS (1920-29). In 1925 she produced her first photomontages, and with Rodchenko, Ignatovich, and her husband Gustav Klucis, was actively involved in 'Oktiabr'. Kulagina also participated with her designs in the 'Pressa' exhibition in Cologne in 1928, and was instrumental in the development of major posters and commissions for fairs such as the Paris World Fair, New York World Fair, and the popular All-Union Agricultural Exhibition (VSKhV) which opened in Moscow in 1939.

Kulagina also made sketches for the anniversary of the Revolution which were developed later into a series of photomontages, notably the 1935 album 'Metro est' and the Panel 'Unas' which she finished for the 7th Party Congress in 1932. She was also active in the All-Union Central Council of Trade Unions, and participated in numerous exhibitions throughout the Soviet Union and Europe.

'For the Siberia Pavilion (VSKHV) orchard and beehives' 1938 and 'For the Siberia Pavilion (VSKHV)?' 1938 characterise the social realism that was promoted under Stalin's regime which called for artistic practices that were understood by the masses and instrumental in promoting his political and economic mandates. These photomontages depict industrial dynamism and a peasant paradise, both working in perfect communal harmony.