Kazimir Malevich (1879–1935): revolutionary of the Suprematism movement
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Kazimir Malevich (1879–1935): revolutionary of the Suprematism movement
Kazimir Malevich is one of the most influential figures in modern art in the early 20th century. With works such as his famous "Black Square" on a white background, he made a radical break with every form of representation. Who was this artist who so consistently propagated a new visual language, and what ideas lay behind his work?
1. Early years: Searching for your own expression
- Place of birth : Kazimir Malevich was born in Kiev in 1879, a time when Tsarist Russia was in upheaval.
- Artistic beginnings : He studied at various art schools in Kiev and Moscow and initially dealt with styles such as impressionism and symbolism.
- Influence of the avant-garde : Malevich soon became interested in the emerging avant-garde movements. In Moscow and St. Petersburg he came into contact with Futurism and Cubism, which inspired him to his first abstract experiments.
2. The Emergence of Suprematism
The decisive turning point in Malevich's career occurred in 1913/14. He developed an art that completely broke away from any realistic references:
- “Black Square” (1915) : He first exhibited this groundbreaking work in 1915 in Saint Petersburg (then Petrograd). It embodies the core principle of Suprematism : the superiority (“supremacy”) of pure form and color over any objective representation.
- Theoretical foundations : Malevich wrote works in which he presented his ideas. He saw Suprematism as the ultimate expression of spiritual freedom and detachment from everything earthly.
- Principles : The works concentrate on basic geometric shapes (square, circle, cross, rectangle) and a reduced color palette (mostly black, white, red). The image compositions are not intended to be a depiction of the outside world, but to convey pure "emotional sensation".
3. Revolution and Art in the New Russia
The Russian Revolutions of 1917 radically influenced art and society. Malevich actively participated in the cultural discourse:
- Teaching and publications : Malevich directed various art institutes in Moscow and Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg). He wanted to incorporate his Suprematist ideas into the education of the new generation of artists.
- Conflicts with the Soviet government : The new state initially promoted experimental art forms, but from the 1920s onwards Socialist Realism came into focus. Malevich's radical abstraction was increasingly seen as "bourgeois degeneration".
- Temporary bans : Works such as the "Black Square" were temporarily removed from museums, and Malevich was no longer able to freely practice his teaching. Nevertheless, he remained largely true to his artistic credo.
4. Late Creation and Return to the Figure
In the late 1920s and early 1930s, Malevich began to partially integrate figurative elements into his works again:
- New realism? : Often the figures remained abstract and stood in surreal-looking spaces. It was less a return to classical realism, but rather an expansion of his visual language.
- Restrictions imposed by the regime : Malevich was increasingly observed, which limited his artistic freedom. These circumstances are reflected in the works of this period, in which the tension between abstraction and figurative suggestion is noticeable.
5. Influence and Legacy
- Pioneer of radical abstraction : With his "Black Square", Malevich created a milestone in art history. He was one of the first to embed pure, non-objective painting in a consistent theory.
- Suprematism worldwide : His ideas influenced many other artists and movements of the avant-garde - including abstract painters, Bauhaus artists, Constructivists as well as designers and architects.
- Modern reception : Today, Malevich is considered a pioneer of consistent, radically reduced art. His works are exhibited in renowned museums around the world and fetch high prices at auctions.
Conclusion
Kazimir Malevich, like no other artist, represents the courage to embrace radical abstraction. He saw geometric forms and pure color as the highest means of artistic expression and combined them with a philosophical and spiritual vision. Despite political repression and the spirit of the times, he remained true to his principles and created a completely new approach with Suprematism, which had a profound influence on modern art.