BA1 GDIM 2015-16-Contextual Studies: Russian Suprematism and Constructivism

As we continue the modern movement of the 20^th century it’s time to talk about the two Russian trends that were post WW1, early in the 20^th century. These are:

Suprematism:

This art movement was founded by Kazimir Malevich during the First World War. In 1913 he introduced his first designs with his own ideas for an opera performed in St. Petersburg that eventually by time these ideas became the type that Suprematism work with.

Kazimir Malevich

The aim of this movement was to be suprematist to all the art of the past, and that is why Malevich named the movement Suprematism because that was his belief. This style featured an array of geometric shapes suspended above a white or light-coloured background. In these compositions a sense of depth is created with different shapes, sizes and angles, with certain shapes appear to be moving in space.

Some artist within this movement:

Kseniya Boguslavskaya: Russian painter, graphic artist, stage designer and poetess.

Kseniya Boguslavska

Kseniya Boguslavskaya's work

Ivan Klyun: Russian artist and art theorist.

Ivan Klyun

Ivan Klyun's work

Ivan Puni: Russian artist (painter and graphic designer).

Ivan Puni

Ivan Puni's work

Olga Rozanova: Russian artist (painter).

Olga Rozanova

Olga Rozanova's work

Graphic Design Examples:

Suprematism Style Poster

Constructivism:

This movement was founded by Vladimir Tatlin after he presented his model for the ‘Monument for the Third International’ exhibition in 1919-20. This project was of an inspiration to other artists who joined Tatlin in this movement.

Vladimir Tatlin

The aim of this movement in the beginning was to work in painting and sculpture but by time they decided to work also in the applied arts (textiles and ceramics). Although it was developed side by side with Supermatism it had its own style and this was to use real materials in real space in their work and also to base their work on the social/political episodes that were happening.

Some artists within this movement:

Alexander Rodchenko: a Russian artist, sculptor, photographer and graphic designer. He was also one of the first artist who helped Tatin begin the movement.