szeregowych

Szeregowych are a concept within the context of socialist realism, particularly in Eastern European art. They were a group of artists and intellectuals who emerged in Poland during the 1950s, primarily associated with the magazine "Szereg" or "Rank." The name translates to "rank" or "row," which served as a symbol of the group's emphasis on intellectual unity and solidarity.

The szeregowych movement emphasized the importance of artistic collectivism over individual expression. Artists adhered to the style of socialist realism, creating works that reflected the ideals of the Polish People's Republic. They focused on praising the achievements of the communist state and promoting the values of the working class.

Szeregowych ideologists believed that art should act as a unifying force for society, rather than a personal reflection of the artist's experiences. They argued that creative works could only be truly effective in promoting social change when executed collectively, rather than through individualistic endeavors.

As a response to the growing cultural diversity in Poland, the szeregowych movement aimed to reinforce state-sponsored values through art. The movement gained significant influence within Polish intellectual circles, contributing to a temporary suppression of avant-garde tendencies. Others saw the movement as overly rigid. Despite experiencing restrictions on artistic freedom, the szeregowych movement maintained a symbolic value as it continued to embody the ideals of collectivism and state-sponsored art in socialist Poland.