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Wassily Kandinsky was a Russian artist who is credited as one of the Western pioneers of abstraction. The abstract art movement is defined as a departure from depicting reality in art, using visual language such as shapes, colors, form, and line to create unique images that are not derivative of real or natural things. Kandinsky's work was specifically influenced by his spiritual belief in art, as well as his love of music. At a young age, he was exposed to beautiful music, nature, and architecture that led him to believe in the spiritual value of art and color.
"Color is the keyboard, the eyes are the harmony, the soul is the piano with many strings. The artist is the hand which plays, touching one key or another, to cause vibrations in the soul" --Wassily Kandinsky
Kandinsky's artistic style went through several changes and influences over his artistic career development. His artwork delved into themes of spirituality, music composition, inner beauty, and complex topics such as the end of the world and biblical theory. He was inspired by numerous art movements, including Art Nouveau, Fauvism, Surrealism, and Bauhaus, though his artwork eventually became his own signature style that would go on to inspire many future abstract artists. As a member and foundational leader of the abstract artist movement, Kandinsky joined the Cercle et Carré group and was a part of their 1930 exhibition at Galerie 23.
Currently at the Schneider, Kandinsky's painting "Two Figures" is on view as a part of our current exhibition, "Cercle et Carré and the International Spirit of Abstract Art". This piece depicts two abstracted figures, one composed of flowing and soft-edged shapes and the other of geometric blocks and hard lines. In this, Kandinsky exemplifies a contrast often used in abstract works: the circle and square that the Cercle et Carré group used as the basis for its abstract theory. Abstract theory sees the circle as feminine and the square as masculine, which offers some insight into these figures and into why Kandinsky placed them in relation to each other. "Cercle et Carré and the International Spirit of Abstract Art" will be on view at the Schneider until August 8th in the Heiter and Treehaven Galleries. Don't miss your chance to see these historic works!
If you're interested in learning more about Wassily Kandinsky, visit the link below to do a deep dive on his history and see a virtual archive of his artwork:
wassily-kandinsky.org
Also, check out this opinion piece on Kandinsky from Hyperallergic:
https://hyperallergic.com/rethinking-kandinsky/
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