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Suprematistic composition. White in white. (Feeling of fading away.)

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.

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Total Price

$ 263

reproduction

Suprematistic composition. White in white. (Feeling of fading away.)

Reproduction Medium

Reproduction Size

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Total Price

$ 263

Quick Facts

  • Artistic style: Abstract
  • Notable elements or techniques: Geometric forms; Minimalist composition
  • Subject or theme: Pure feeling
  • Influences: Cubism
  • Movement: Suprematism
  • Medium: Oil on canvas
  • Title: Suprematistic composition. White in white.

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
What artistic movement is Kazimir Malevich’s ‘Suprematistic composition. White in white.’ associated with?
Question 2:
The photograph depicts the painting from which publication?
Question 3:
What is a key characteristic of Malevich’s Suprematist style?
Question 4:
The title ‘White in white. (Feeling of fading away.)’ suggests what emotional response?
Question 5:
What medium was likely used to create the original painting?

Artwork Description

Kazimir Malevich: Suprematistic Composition – White on White (Feeling of Fading Away)

Kazimir Malevich’s “Suprematistic Composition: White on White” stands as an emblem of radical abstraction, born from the crucible of the Russian avant-garde and embodying a profound philosophical quest for pure feeling. Painted in 1927, this deceptively simple artwork—a monochrome square superimposed upon another white square—represents more than just visual form; it encapsulates Malevich’s audacious assertion that art should transcend representational illusion and tap into the primal essence of human experience.

A Revolutionary Aesthetic

Malevich’s Suprematism emerged from a fervent desire to liberate painting from the constraints of naturalism, rejecting the perceived distortions and compromises inherent in depicting the external world. Influenced by Cubism's fragmentation and Futurism’s dynamism, Malevich pushed these movements even further, distilling them into their most fundamental elements—geometric shapes—to achieve what he termed “pure feeling.” This intellectual underpinning is powerfully conveyed through the artwork itself: a deliberate rejection of color and depth, prioritizing instead the tactile qualities of pigment and surface texture. The painting's genesis coincided with the tumultuous period following the October Revolution, reflecting the revolutionary fervor that permeated Russian artistic circles and fueled experimentation with new expressive languages.

Composition and Technique – Minimalist Precision

The artwork’s composition is strikingly austere yet meticulously crafted. A square, slightly off-center and tilted subtly against a paler white background, dominates the visual field. Malevich achieved this ethereal effect through painstaking brushwork—thin, horizontal lines delicately applied to create an illusion of movement and depth without resorting to traditional perspective. The resulting surface possesses a remarkable smoothness, indicative of careful preparation and execution, demonstrating Malevich’s commitment to mastering the materiality of his chosen medium – oil paint on canvas. This technique prioritizes precision and control, mirroring Malevich's belief that art should be governed by rational principles rather than emotional impulses.

Symbolism: Transcendence and Dissolution

“White on White” is laden with symbolic significance, reflecting Malevich’s preoccupation with concepts of infinity and spiritual transcendence. The white square represents not merely emptiness but a state of pure consciousness—a realm devoid of form or substance where the individual ego dissolves into an overwhelming sense of unity. As Malevich himself articulated in his manifesto, “I have overcome the lining of the colored sky,” signifying liberation from illusionary perception. The subtle tilt of the square contributes to this feeling of instability and movement, suggesting that reality itself is fluid and mutable—a notion deeply resonant with Eastern Orthodox theology.

Emotional Impact – Calm Contemplation

Despite its apparent simplicity, “Suprematistic Composition: White on White” evokes a profound emotional response. The artwork invites viewers into a state of meditative contemplation, fostering a sense of calm detachment from worldly concerns. Its austere beauty speaks to the core of human experience—the yearning for spiritual illumination and the acceptance of impermanence. Malevich’s masterpiece continues to inspire artists and collectors alike, serving as a testament to the enduring power of abstract art to communicate complex ideas and emotions with unparalleled eloquence. It remains an unforgettable visual experience, prompting reflection on fundamental questions about existence and perception.

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
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