Suprematism is a term that was coined by Kazimir Malevich to describe his artworks. The word suprematism means “supreme authority.”
In the early 1900s, Kazimir Malevich wanted to change the way people thought about art and its purpose. He wanted to create a revolution in the way people viewed art and how they viewed themselves.
In order to do this, he created his own art movement called Suprematism.
The name is derived from the Latin word “supremus” meaning “most supreme.” And it describes the movement’s mission perfectly: To elevate mankind above all other things.
What Is Suprematism
What Is Suprematism?
Suprematism is a modernist art movement that emerged in Russia in the early 20th century.
It was developed by Kazimir Malevich and Vladimir Tatlin, among others. The term “suprematism” was coined by Russian poet Velimir Khlebnikov who promoted it in 1915.
Suprematism is characterized by geometric shapes, primary colors, and strict adherence to geometric principles. It places equal emphasis on form and content. Its goal is to create works that are all-encompassing, visual, and abstracted from reality.
Suprematism has been associated with Futurism, Constructivism, and Suprematist painting which appeared in 1914 at the exhibitions of the Association of Artists of Revolutionary Russia (VASKhNIL) in Moscow and Petrograd (St Petersburg).
Suprematism is an art movement centered on fundamental geometric forms and a limited range of colors.
It’s a radical approach that prioritizes pure artistic feeling over the visual depiction of objects.
We’ll jump into the origins of Suprematism, explore its key characteristics, and discuss its profound impact on the art world.
Stay with us as we uncover the essence of this groundbreaking movement.
Origins Of Suprematism
Suprematism sprang from the fervent atmosphere of early 20th-century Russia.
Rooted in the avant-garde, it was a bold leap into abstraction that broke away from the bounds of traditional art.
The movement gained momentum under the guidance of its founder, Kazimir Malevich, who unveiled Suprematism to the world in 1915 with the groundbreaking Black Square.
Malevich’s manifesto, From Cubism to Suprematism, was a clarion call for a new art form that could elevate aesthetics to a higher spiritual plane.
Suprematist works prioritized basic geometric shapes and a limited palette – aspects that were meant to reflect the fundamental building blocks of creation:
- Simplicity and purity in form,
- The monochromatic use of color,
- An emphasis on spatial movement through abstraction.
The groundswell for Suprematism was not just a cause of one man.
The zeitgeist of the era contributed significantly.
Amidst the backdrop of industrialization and a tumultuous political landscape, artists sought a visual language that transcended the material world.
They found it in the stark simplicity and dynamic compositions of Suprematism, which endeavored to communicate universal human truths beyond the political upheaval of the time.
This search for a deeper significance within art influenced filmmakers as well, steering the direction of the visual narrative in cinema.
In the realm of film, Suprematist principles helped pioneer methods that emphasized movement, geometry, and symbolism.
The result was an innovative aesthetic that transformed how stories were told on screen, echoing the Suprematist commitment to essential forms and profound thematic content.
Key Characteristics Of Suprematism
Suprematism, as a radical approach to abstract art, focuses on the fundamentals.
Our examination uncovers its distinct attributes that set it apart as a unique movement within the art world.
- Simplicity and Geometry – At the core of Suprematism lies a deep appreciation for simple geometric figures. Shapes like circles, squares, and lines dominate the canvases, embodying purity of form.
- Color – Suprematist artists often used a very limited palette, favoring stark contrasts and bold coloration to highlight their compositions.
The lack of representational forms is a deliberate choice.
For Suprematist artists, it’s the visual language of shapes which transcends the mundane and reaches towards higher truths in art.
- Flatness – The approach to the canvas surface aims for flatness, with little to no concern for depth or traditional perspective. This technique reinforces the focus on pure abstraction.
- Non-objectivity – Suprematism abandons the representation of real-world objects altogether, instead celebrating the autonomy of art through non-objective composition.
By creating a new system of visual references, Suprematism paves the way for a complete reevaluation of how we form aesthetic judgments.
Taking a step back, we realize that this movement’s influence extends far beyond the confines of its era, affecting the evolution of Modern Art and film.
Through films like Man with a Movie Camera, we can see Suprematism’s signature abstraction and non-objective viewpoint come to life, forever changing how stories are told on screen.
In our exploration of the impact of Suprematism on artistic expression, it’s vital to acknowledge the underlying philosophy that guides their practices.
The freedom from physical constraints and conventional norms empowered artists to experiment with space and dimension in new and provocative ways.
This freedom also resonates with filmmakers who, inspired by Suprematism, seek to redefine narrative structures and visual storytelling.
Impact Of Suprematism On The Art World
Suprematism, with its bold visual language, has had a profound impact on various facets of the art world.
Its emphasis on geometric forms and essential elements has informed both the aesthetics and philosophies of many art movements that followed.
The legacy of Suprematism has particularly resonated within design fields, infusing modernist approaches to visual communication with an emphasis on minimalism and functionalism.
The rise of abstract art owes a considerable debt to Suprematism’s foundational principles.
Artists across the globe drew inspiration from its reduction of imagery to basic geometric shapes and its exploration of form and color:
- Abstract Expressionism embraced the emotional resonance of Suprematist composition,
- Minimalism took cues from Suprematist simplicity and focus on pure form,
- Conceptual Art appreciated Suprematism’s detachment from the representation of the physical world.
As filmmakers, we’ve observed that the effects of Suprematist art transcend still imagery and find a powerful echo in cinema.
Directors and production designers often employ a Suprematist approach to create visually compelling scenes that break away from narrative tradition.
The art movement’s impact is seen in how film frames are composed, with a preference for stark contrasts, simplified color schemes, and a visual rhythm that speaks directly to the viewer’s subconscious.
The world of theatre and performance art also integrates elements typical of Suprematism.
Set designs and costumes frequently feature the movement’s characteristic geometric shapes and monochromatic palettes, using spatial relationships to evoke emotion and story.
In our continued exploration of the visual arts, we’re constantly reminded of Suprematism’s pioneering role in shaping modern aesthetics.
Its principles of simplicity and abstraction remain ever-present in the creative approaches we see today, whether on canvas, the silver screen, or the digital platforms that define contemporary expression.
What Is Suprematism In Art – Wrap Up
Suprematism has undeniably carved out its unique place in art history, shaping the way we perceive and create.
Its legacy lives on in the bold simplicity of modern design and the ongoing pursuit of abstraction in art.
We’ve seen its principles transcend traditional canvases, influencing everything from the silver screen to the theatrical stage.
It’s clear that the movement’s focus on pure artistic expression through geometric forms continues to inspire and challenge our understanding of aesthetics.
As we embrace the future of art and design, we carry with us the revolutionary spirit of Suprematism—a testament to the power of minimalism and the enduring quest for innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Suprematism In Art?
Suprematism is an art movement focused on basic geometric forms and a limited range of colors, emphasizing simplicity and abstraction.
It was founded by Kazimir Malevich in the early 20th century.
How Did Suprematism Influence Other Art Movements?
Suprematism has greatly influenced various art movements such as abstract expressionism, minimalism, and conceptual art, all of which share a focus on the essential components of visual language.
In What Ways Has Suprematism Impacted Modern Cinema?
Modern cinema has been influenced by Suprematism through the use of its principles in creating visually striking scenes that prioritize geometric forms and artistic abstraction.
Can You See Suprematism’s Influence Outside Of Traditional Visual Arts?
Yes, Suprematism’s influence extends to set designs and costumes in theatre and performance art, as well as in aspects of other disciplines that appreciate simplicity and abstraction in their aesthetics.
Does Suprematism Continue To Be Relevant Today?
Absolutely, Suprematism continues to be relevant in today’s art world as its principles of simplicity and abstraction remain influential in various creative approaches across multiple art forms.
