Russian Modernism: Cross-Currents Of German And Russian Art, 1907-1917. Russian Modernism is dedicated to the radical modernist movements in Russian and German art during the early years of the 20th century. It explores the direct connections and collaborations of German and Russian artists and the affinities between both countries' artistic development. Russian Modernism maps the Russian version of expressionism and puts it in the context of the history of 20th century art.