Rodion Stepanovich Shutenko’s "The Party is the Mentor, Komsomol is the Worthy Student!" (1980s), created for Agitplakat Don, represents a masterful example of late Soviet propaganda art. This work exists in two remarkable forms: an original oil on card sketch and the final silkscreen poster—an exceptionally rare complete set, as Soviet protocols typically mandated the destruction of preliminary sketches after approval. The poster's full text proclamation, "Communist Youth, You Are a School! Komsomol! The Party is Your Mighty Great One! The Party is the Mentor, Komsomol is the Worthy Student!" emphasises the crucial relationship between the Communist Party and its youth organisation during the pre-perestroika period.

The composition is dominated by the monumental "КПСС" (CPSU - Communist Party of the Soviet Union) text that stretches across the red flag, creating a powerful visual hierarchy. Below, two young figures in white—symbolic representatives of the Komsomol—stand as idealised Soviet youth. The diagonal arrangement of geometric patterns in deep blue suggests both industrial progress and dynamic movement, while the cascading text establishes a clear visual metaphor of knowledge and guidance flowing from Party to youth. This hierarchical arrangement reinforces the poster's central message of institutional mentorship and ideological continuity.

The poster employs a striking three-colour palette characteristic of Soviet propaganda: bold red symbolising revolutionary spirit, pure white representing the youth's moral clarity, and deep blue as a contrast to the other two colours. Shutenko's technique demonstrates remarkable restraint, using simplified forms and bold geometric patterns that reflect the evolution of Soviet modernist design. The silkscreen printing process allows for crisp, clean lines and solid colour blocks, creating a powerful visual impact that marked the sophisticated propaganda style of the late Soviet period. The seamless integration of text and image creates a unified message of Party leadership and youth dedication.

As a World War II veteran who served as a lieutenant in the artillery regiment of the 315th Rifle Division at Stalingrad, Shutenko (1921-2021) brought unique authenticity to his propaganda work. His artistic career, spanning contributions to the satirical magazine "Krokodil" and founding membership in "Agitplakat Dona", established him as a leading figure in Soviet propaganda art. His distinctive style, combining sharp political commentary with bold graphic elements, influenced generations of artists. Today, his works are in the collection of institutions, including the Rostov Regional Museum of Fine Arts and the State Archive of Rostov Oblast.