Kazimir Malevich’s ‘Soon, Soon We Will in Krakow’: A Vision of Rural Futurity

“Soon, soon we will in Krakow,” painted in 1914 by the visionary Kazimir Malevich, is a deceptively simple yet profoundly resonant work that encapsulates the artist's burgeoning exploration of abstraction and his deep connection to Ukrainian folk traditions. This painting, rendered in a strikingly naive style, presents a scene of apparent pastoral tranquility – a man on horseback leading a group of figures towards an unknown destination – but beneath its surface lies a complex meditation on identity, movement, and the potential for radical transformation. The dominant use of red, particularly in the figure’s attire, immediately draws the eye and imbues the image with a sense of urgency and passion, while the deliberately unrefined execution evokes the raw energy of folk art and foreshadows Malevich's later embrace of geometric abstraction.

A Synthesis of Influences: Folk Tradition Meets Avant-Garde

• Ukrainian Roots: Born in Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine, in 1878, Malevich’s early life was profoundly shaped by the landscape and culture of his homeland. This influence is palpable in the painting's composition – a direct echo of Ukrainian peasant iconography, where figures are often depicted in dynamic movement, conveying a sense of purpose and connection to the land.
• European Exposure: Malevich’s artistic journey began with traditional training but quickly led him towards the vibrant avant-garde movements sweeping across Europe. His trip to Paris in 1912 exposed him to Impressionism, Symbolism, Fauvism, and Cubism, all of which contributed to his evolving vocabulary before he ultimately sought a more fundamental approach to art.
• Naive Art’s Impact: The painting's deliberately naive style – characterized by simplified forms, bold colors, and a lack of meticulous detail – aligns with the broader trend of “naive art” emerging at the time. This movement, often associated with rural artisans and untrained artists, offered a refreshing alternative to the increasingly complex and intellectualized styles dominating the established art world.

Symbolism and Narrative in a Fragmented World

The scene depicted is open to interpretation, yet it resonates with themes of pilgrimage, transition, and perhaps even rebellion. The man on horseback, clad in red, acts as a focal point – a leader or guide – while the group he leads suggests a collective journey towards an uncertain future. The setting, though vaguely reminiscent of a rural landscape, feels strangely detached from reality, contributing to the painting’s dreamlike quality. Malevich's use of color and form deliberately disrupts traditional narrative conventions, inviting viewers to engage with the work on an emotional and intuitive level rather than through rational analysis.

The Dawn of Abstraction: A Precursor to Suprematism

“Soon, soon we will in Krakow” is a crucial transitional piece in Malevich’s artistic development. It represents a significant step towards his later revolutionary theories of Suprematism – the movement he founded in 1915 that sought to reduce art to its most basic geometric elements. The painting's simplified forms and flattened perspective foreshadow the radical abstraction that would define Malevich’s legacy, demonstrating his willingness to challenge established artistic norms and explore new possibilities for visual expression. This work is a testament to Malevich’s pioneering spirit and his profound impact on the course of modern art.