Malevich: Constructing the Supreme Language of Art

How abstract geometric forms came to represent profound emotions and concepts we deal with every day.

the first exhibition of Suprematist paintings by Kazimir Malevich on show in 1915 [view license]

Kazimir Malevich is one of the most important painters in progressing Modern visual arts. He was the founder of Suprematism and the instigator of a new language of form that emphasised emotions and big human concepts, rather than merely attempting to represent the ‘real’ world by employing illusions of perspective, figurative symbolism and trompe l’oeil. Along with Constructivist artists, such as El Lissitzky, Malevich innovated the use of simple geometric forms to create a new visual language for feelings and concepts.

The next time you use your MP3 player, or online streaming, you will find Malevich’s legacy: Why do you think the triangle means ‘play’, the square means ‘stop’, and a red circle represents ‘record’? Then go and take another look at the Suprematists and Constructivists…

‘Suprematist Painting: Black Rectangle, Blue Triangle’ (c.1915) by Kazimir Malevich [view license]

In one of his pieces, Black Rectangle, Blue Triangle, painted around 1915 and shown above, the introduction of the dynamic triangle changes the solid and ‘static’ rectangle into a new…