Gruppa Krovi – The Story Behind Album Artwork Malevich Connection

When you think of Gruppa Krovi, the legendary 1988 album by Viktor Tsoi and his band KINO, you probably hear the raw, haunting chords of its title track. But just as unforgettable is its album cover — a stark, cryptic design that became a visual symbol of late-Soviet rock rebellion.

Few know that this artwork wasn’t some random abstract piece. It was personally chosen by Viktor Tsoi, inspired by Kazimir Malevich’s avant-garde poster for the 1927 silent film Victory Over the Sun. A bold choice that reflected KINO’s artistic vision and the deep undercurrents of Soviet art history.

In this post, we uncover the story behind the Gruppa Krovi album cover — and why this image became a timeless emblem of freedom, change, and Soviet underground culture.

 

The Malevich Poster That Inspired KINO

Kazimir Malevich, the father of Suprematism, created a striking film poster in 1927 for Victory Over the Sun — a silent Soviet avant-garde movie. The poster’s minimal use of colour, bold geometric forms, and cryptic symbolism spoke to Malevich’s radical vision of art.

Viktor Tsoi, always attentive to underground art and symbolism, was fascinated by this poster. When it came time to visualise Gruppa Krovi, he saw in Malevich’s design a perfect metaphor for the album’s themes: alienation, power, identity, and rebellion.

 

How Viktor Tsoi Made the Artwork His Own

Unlike many bands that hired designers, KINO worked with the Malevich poster directly — giving almost no alterations. Tsoi and the band chose the image to represent their record as-is, effectively making the century-old avant-garde work part of their contemporary protest culture.

This connection between Soviet avant-garde art and late-Soviet rock music added a powerful layer of meaning. The cover wasn’t just an image — it was a silent rebellion, a nod to the suppressed voices of both past and present.

 

Why the Gruppa Krovi Cover Still Resonates 

The stark minimalism of the Gruppa Krovi cover became one of the most recognisable symbols of Russian rock. Much like the album’s title song, it captured a generation’s spirit. Today, it stands as a symbol of artistic courage — blending Malevich’s vision with Tsoi’s voice.

Collectors, musicians, and designers alike still reference this artwork as a rare example of Soviet visual culture crossing over into music history.

 

Own a Piece of Rock History: Gruppa Krovi T-Shirts and Merch

We’ve exclusive Gruppa Krovi T-shirt using the authentic album artwork — the same iconic image selected by Viktor Tsoi himself.

• Printed on premium-quality fabric
• Official reproduction of the 1988 Gruppa Krovi cover art
• Inspired by Kazimir Malevich’s original avant-garde poster
• Available exclusively in our store
• Ships worldwide with limited stock