Suprematism
Origins and Development
Suprematism is an art movement, focused on fundamental geometric forms (in particular the square and circle), which originated in Russia in 1915-1916. The term itself was coined by the artist Kazimir Malevich, who developed the movement as a radical break from the past, seeking to create art that would be free from the constraints of the material world.
Malevich's work in Suprematism represented a shift away from the representational art that had dominated the Russian art scene. Instead, he sought to explore the relationship between forms and the spaces between them, using a limited palette of basic colors and geometric shapes. His work was heavily influenced by the philosophical ideas of his time, particularly those related to spirituality and theosophy.
Philosophy and Principles
The philosophy of Suprematism was rooted in a desire to move beyond the physical world and explore the realm of pure feeling and emotion. Malevich believed that art should transcend the visual representation of objects in the world, and instead focus on the creation of an emotional response in the viewer. This was a radical departure from the traditional view of art as a means of representing the world around us.
In his 1915 manifesto, "From Cubism and Futurism to Suprematism: The New Painterly Realism," Malevich outlined the principles of Suprematism. He argued that art should be free from the constraints of the physical world, and instead seek to represent the world of sensation and emotion. This was achieved through the use of basic geometric forms, such as the square and the circle, and a limited palette of colors.
Key Works and Artists
Malevich's "Black Square" (1915) is often considered the first true Suprematist work. It features a black square on a white field, and represents a radical break from the past, with its rejection of representational art and its focus on pure form and color.
Other key works in the Suprematist movement include Malevich's "White on White" (1918) and "Suprematist Composition: White on White" (1918). These works further explore the ideas of Suprematism, with their focus on the interaction of geometric forms and the use of a limited color palette.
In addition to Malevich, other artists associated with the Suprematist movement include El Lissitzky, Lyubov Popova, and Nadezhda Udaltsova. These artists expanded on Malevich's ideas, developing their own unique interpretations of Suprematist principles.
Influence and Legacy
The influence of Suprematism can be seen in many areas of modern and contemporary art. The movement's focus on basic geometric forms and its rejection of representational art had a profound impact on the development of abstract art in the 20th century.
Suprematism also had a significant influence on the development of constructivism, with artists like El Lissitzky and Lyubov Popova transitioning from Suprematism to constructivism in the early 1920s.
Despite its relatively short lifespan, the influence of Suprematism continues to be felt in contemporary art. Its focus on the emotional power of simple geometric forms and colors has been a major influence on minimalism and other abstract art movements.