Menu
FREE ART CONSULTATION
PreviewPreview AR previewAR preview Buy Print Buy PrintBuy Image Buy Image SendSend
DetailsDetails Add to favorites Add to favorites DownloadDownload SimilarsSimilars X-RayX-Ray DiaporamaDiaporama

Modern Buildings

Delve into Kazimir Malevich's 'Modern Buildings,' a striking black and white Cubist masterpiece capturing urban dynamism. Explore its geometric abstraction & discover the legacy of Suprematism at ArtsDot.

Kazimir Malevich (1878-1935): Ukrainian founder of Suprematism & pioneer of abstract art. Explore iconic works like Black Square, geometric forms, & pure feeling's impact on 20thC art.

Hand Made Oil Reproduction

Hand-painted oil on canvas in your size and frame, made to order by our artists. (Buy Print Buy PrintBuy Image Buy Image)

P118B $10
P118H $10
P118W $10
P438Z $10
P508JH $12
P508YH $12
P805H $10
P805Z $10
P919BZ $10
P919G $10
P919XJ $10
P959ZH $10
P968JZ $12
W106C $8
W218G $10
W218JH $8
W218Y $10
W307PJ $10
W316G $10
W316PJ $8
W316Y $10
W398PJ $8
W4111J $10
W500HY $15
W500JH $15
W692G $12
W849H $8
W940BG $15
W953PJ $8

Standard
custom
CM
INCH

Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.

width
height

You may enter your own dimensions to fit a specific frame or space. If your selected size does not match the original image's proportions, we will either crop the artwork or extend the painting with additional hand-painted elements. A digital mockup will be sent for your approval before production begins.
Please note that the on-screen preview does not reflect the actual cropping or extension. Only the mockup will accurately show the final composition.
While custom sizes are available, we recommend selecting a dimension from the predefined list to preserve the original proportions.

Examples of what can be changed: Replace face with customer photo; Add pet (e.g., replace cat with dog); Include hidden message in background; Change background landscape or elements.
After order, ArtsDot.com team will email client for instructions and provide a mockup preview

Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (16 August). No compromise on quality.

why_choose_icon
Free Worldwide Express Shipping
why_choose_icon
High-Quality Linen Canvas
why_choose_icon
Full Shipping Insurance
why_choose_icon
Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
why_choose_icon
True Color Matching Guarantee
why_choose_icon
60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
why_choose_icon
100% Money-Back Guarantee
why_choose_icon
Bulk Discount Offer

Total Price

$ 263

reproduction

Modern Buildings

Reproduction Medium

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

$ 263

Quick Facts

  • Medium: Painting
  • Location: Private Collection
  • Title: Modern Buildings
  • Notable elements or techniques: Geometric abstraction; Bold lines; Simplified forms
  • Subject or theme: Urban landscape
  • Artist: Kazimir Malevich

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
What artistic movement is Kazimir Malevich’s ‘Modern Buildings’ primarily associated with?
Question 2:
The photograph depicts a painting featuring predominantly:
Question 3:
Malevich’s use of black and white contributes to the artwork's aesthetic impact by emphasizing:
Question 4:
Which artist collaborated closely with Kazimir Malevich, translating abstract art into visionary buildings?
Question 5:
‘Modern Buildings’ exemplifies Malevich's exploration of a core principle within Cubism and Suprematism – namely:

Artwork Description

Kazimir Malevich’s “Modern Buildings”: A Vision of Geometric Supremacy

Kazimir Malevich's "Modern Buildings," painted around 1913, stands as a cornerstone of Cubo-Futurist art and arguably the most influential expression of Suprematism—Malevich’s radical departure from representational painting. This monochrome masterpiece isn’t merely a depiction of urban architecture; it’s a deliberate attempt to distill reality into its purest geometric form, reflecting the intellectual fervor of the early 20th century and embodying Malevich's profound belief in the transformative power of abstraction. The photograph captures a meticulously crafted reproduction that faithfully conveys the artwork's essence.

The Genesis of Geometric Suprematism

Malevich’s artistic journey began with explorations of Impressionism, Symbolism, Fauvism, and Cubism—styles he embraced as stepping stones toward his ultimate goal: to liberate art from illusion and capture its fundamental spiritual truth. His formative years in Kyiv Oblast instilled a deep appreciation for Ukrainian folk traditions, subtly informing his aesthetic sensibilities. However, it was his immersion in Parisian avant-garde circles that truly ignited his revolutionary spirit. Witnessing the dynamism of Cubism alongside Futurists—artists obsessed with speed and technology—fueled his conviction that painting should transcend visual perception to communicate directly with the viewer’s intellect and emotions.

Composition & Technique: Fractured Perspectives

“Modern Buildings” exemplifies Malevich's masterful manipulation of geometric principles. The cityscape is fragmented into intersecting planes of color – predominantly black and white – creating a dizzying yet harmonious interplay of lines and curves. Unlike traditional perspective, which seeks to mimic the natural world, Malevich employs a deliberately distorted viewpoint, mirroring the fractured experience of modern life. Thick brushstrokes contribute to textural richness, emphasizing the materiality of the painted surface while simultaneously conveying a sense of urgency and dynamism. The artist’s meticulous attention to detail—evident in the precise delineation of building facades—contrasts sharply with the simplified geometric forms that dominate the composition.

Symbolism Beyond Representation

More than just an architectural scene, “Modern Buildings” operates on multiple symbolic levels. Malevich deliberately eschewed recognizable imagery, believing that true art transcends superficial appearances and speaks to a deeper spiritual dimension. The monochromatic palette—black and white—represents purity and asceticism, mirroring the influence of Orthodox Christianity on Malevich’s worldview. Furthermore, the geometric shapes – squares and rectangles – symbolize stability and order amidst the chaos of urban existence. They represent an aspiration for harmony and balance, reflecting Malevich's conviction that abstraction could unlock a more profound understanding of reality.

Legacy & Influence

“Modern Buildings” cemented Malevich’s position as a pioneer of Suprematism—a movement that profoundly impacted subsequent artistic developments. It served as inspiration for architects like Lazar Markovich Khidekel, who translated Malevich's geometric principles into visionary buildings and innovative designs – notably the National Arts Museum of The Republic of Belarus in Minsk. Today, reproductions of this iconic artwork continue to captivate audiences worldwide, demonstrating its enduring relevance as a symbol of artistic innovation and spiritual contemplation. Explore ArtsDot’s extensive collection of Kazimir Malevich prints and discover how you can bring this masterpiece into your home.

Artist Biography

Kazimir Malevich: A Pioneer of Abstract Art

Early Life and Influences

  • Born in Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine in 1878 to a Polish family, Kazimir Severinovich Malevich’s early life was shaped by the rural Ukrainian landscape and its rich folk culture.
  • His upbringing instilled in him an appreciation for traditional artistic expressions that would later subtly influence his work.
  • Formal training began in Kyiv, but Malevich quickly sought broader artistic horizons, moving towards Moscow and eventually engaging with the burgeoning avant-garde movements of Europe.
  • Key Influences: Early exposure to folk art, combined with a desire for modern expression, formed the foundation of his unique style.

Artistic Development & Key Movements

  • Initially, Malevich explored various styles including Impressionism, Symbolism, Fauvism, and Cubism. A pivotal trip to Paris in 1912 exposed him to the latest developments in European art.
  • He gradually moved away from representational forms, seeking a purely artistic language based on geometric shapes and color.
  • This led to the development of Suprematism around 1915 – an abstract movement focused on “the supremacy of pure feeling” in art.
  • Suprematism rejected any attempt to depict objects from the visible world, instead prioritizing basic geometric forms like squares, circles, and rectangles.

Major Achievements & Notable Works

  • Black Square (1915): Arguably his most famous work, it represents a radical departure from traditional art and is considered a foundational piece of abstract painting.
  • White on White (1918): A series exploring the purity of form and color, featuring white geometric shapes against a white background – pushing abstraction to its limits.
  • Stroyuschiysya dom [House under Construction] (1916): An early example of Suprematism showcasing his unique perspective on Ukrainian culture through abstract forms.
  • He also wrote extensively on art theory, articulating the philosophical principles behind Suprematism and advocating for a new artistic consciousness.

Historical Significance & Legacy

  • Malevich’s work profoundly impacted the development of 20th-century abstract art, influencing movements like Minimalism and Constructivism.
  • He challenged conventional notions of representation and paved the way for non-objective art.
  • His ideas about pure feeling and geometric abstraction continue to resonate with artists today.
  • Despite facing political persecution under Stalin – initially supported, then suppressed – Malevich persevered in his practice and teaching.
  • Influence on Later Artists: He directly influenced artists like El Lissitzky and indirectly shaped countless others through the enduring legacy of Suprematism.

Later Life & Death

  • In his later years, Malevich revisited figurative painting, attempting to synthesize his abstract principles with representational forms.
  • He continued to teach and write about art until his death in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) in 1935.
  • His work remained relatively obscure for decades after his death but experienced a resurgence of interest in the latter half of the 20th century, solidifying his place as one of the most important figures in modern art history.
Kazimir Malevich

Kazimir Malevich

1878 - 1935 , Ukraine

Quick Facts

  • Artistic Movement Or Style: Suprematism, Abstract Art
  • Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist:
    • Minimalism
    • Constructivism
    • El Lissitzky
  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
    • Cubism
    • Fauvism
    • Impressionism
  • Date Of Birth: 1878
  • Date Of Death: 1935
  • Full Name: Kazimir Severinovich Malevich
  • Nationality: Ukrainian/Russian
  • Notable Artworks:
    • Black Square
    • White on White
    • House under Construction
  • Place Of Birth: Kyiv, Ukraine
Explore artworks organized by themes, styles, and characteristics.