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KazimirSeverinovich Malevich

 

Kazimir Severinovich Malevich (1879–1935) was a revolutionary Russian avant-garde artist and theorist who profoundly influenced the abstract art movement in the 20th century. Born in Kiev to a Polish family, Malevich is celebrated for creating Suprematism, an art movement prioritizing basic geometric forms and pure artistic feeling over representational art. This movement was a response to the naturalistic and objective trends of the time, aiming to express higher spiritual realms through abstraction.

Malevich's initial work reflected Impressionism, Symbolism, Fauvism, and after a pivotal Paris visit in 1912, Cubism. However, he evolved towards creating stark contrasts and exploring the purity of shape, culminating in his iconic "Black Square" and "White on White" paintings, which symbolized the zenith of abstract art. Despite facing the volatile post-Revolution political landscape, which initially supported and later suppressed avant-garde art, Malevich persevered in his practice and teaching. His later life was marred by political persecution under Stalin, culminating in his imprisonment and eventual forced return to figurative painting.

Malevich's influence extended beyond his lifetime, impacting peers like El Lissitzky and later movements including Minimalism. Despite dying in obscurity, his posthumous recognition soared with major retrospectives, solidifying his status as a pivotal figure in modern art. His works remain subjects of international legal disputes over ownership.

Early in life, Malevich experienced a rural upbringing in Ukraine, which exposed him to a folk culture that would permeate his early artistic expressions. Though formally trained in Kiev, his artistic language was deeply connected to his multiethnic heritage, articulating a unique perspective in his art and writings on Ukrainian culture. His early exposure to art was through local crafts rather than professional instruction, yet he would later write in Ukrainian about art, affirming his cultural identity.



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