Wassily Kandinsky is Abstract Art

Wassily Kandinsky, born in 1866 in Moscow, is regarded as one of the founders of abstract art. His name has become synonymous with vibrant colours, geometric shapes, and paintings that flow across the canvas like musical compositions. Kandinsky's life and work embody an unparalleled quest for the spiritual and emotional power of art, reflecting both his personal development and artistic vision. Let us explore the fascinating life of this artist, whose ideas and works changed the art world forever.

Photo by Markus Ray 

From Lawyer to Artist: An Unexpected Turn Wassily Kandinsky grew up in an affluent Russian family that encouraged him to pursue a stable career. He studied law and economics at Moscow University and even held a position as a lecturer. His future seemed certain, but a visit to an exhibition of French Impressionists in Moscow radically altered his life. Particularly captivated by Claude Monet’s Haystacks, Kandinsky was profoundly moved by the power of colour detached from recognisable forms. It was this moment that led him to realise his calling lay in art, and he decided to leave behind his comfortable life to fully dedicate himself to painting. This decision marked a radical step for someone of his background, but it epitomised Kandinsky's determination and faith in his artistic intuition.

A Sensitive Soul with a Scientific Approach Kandinsky was a man of contrasts. On the one hand, he was analytical and serious, influenced by his scientific background; on the other, he had a sensitivity to colour and form that was almost childlike. He believed in the spiritual power of colour and abstraction, a belief that led to his famous theories on art as a means of directly addressing the soul. Physically, Kandinsky may not have been particularly striking – an average man with a calm demeanour and a neat appearance – yet his eyes revealed an intense curiosity and passion for the unknown.

The Development of His Style Kandinsky began his artistic career with figurative landscapes and Impressionist paintings. Initially, he experimented with depicting landscapes and figures, but he soon realised that it was the colours and shapes, not the objects themselves, that intrigued him. His move to Munich in 1896 marked a turning point in his work. In this city, alive with artistic innovation, Kandinsky began to develop his ideas on abstraction and the spiritual dimension of art.

In Munich, he joined the artists' group Der Blaue Reiter, which he co-founded with Franz Marc. This group sought to liberate art from representation and promote the direct expression of the artist's inner life. Kandinsky believed that art did not have to be bound by visible reality but could instead form a path to the inner world. His work quickly evolved from Impressionist landscapes to abstract compositions, where the direct emotions and energy of colour and form took centre stage.Kandinsky’s development as an artist is vividly apparent in some of his most iconic works, each representing a milestone in his quest for abstraction:

• "Der Blaue Reiter" (1903): This painting, depicting a rider in a lush landscape, reflects his early fascination with colour and movement. Though still figurative, it already offers a glimpse of the freedom with which Kandinsky would use colour.
  

• "Composition VII" (1913): Often considered the pinnacle of his pre-war work, this painting is an explosion of colour and form. It is an early expression of his belief that art could speak directly to the soul through abstraction. This piece is like a visual symphony, with lines and colours harmoniously blending into an almost musical composition.
  

• "Yellow-Red-Blue" (1925): During his time at the Bauhaus, Kandinsky’s style shifted towards a more geometric and structured approach, visible in this work. The defined shapes and primary colours illustrate his belief in the universal power of geometry.
  

• "Several Circles" (1926): In this painting from his Bauhaus period, Kandinsky explores the circle as a purely expressive element, playing with colour and contrast. The circles appear to float against the dark background, a subtle interplay of tension and tranquillity.

• "Composition X" (1939): One of his last major works, this painting unites the abstract forms and spiritual themes of his entire career. The work radiates a certain serenity, as if Kandinsky had arrived at an ultimate simplicity and clarity.
  

Each of these works represents a different phase in Kandinsky’s artistic journey. From expressive landscapes to pure abstraction, his work reflects his unwavering pursuit of a universal language of colour and form.

Circles (1913) by Wassily Kandinsky

The Spiritual Dimension of Art Kandinsky was more than a painter; he was also a thinker and writer who extensively formulated his vision of the role of art. In his famous book Concerning the Spiritual in Art (1912), he described art as a means to reach a deeper, spiritual level of consciousness. He believed that colours and shapes could speak directly to the human soul, without the ‘intervention’ of recognisable objects. For Kandinsky, art was a journey into the invisible, a way of looking beyond the surface of reality and connecting with the essence of human existence.

During his time at the Bauhaus, where he taught from 1922 to 1933, he further developed his ideas, shaping a new generation of artists. He taught his students to experiment with abstract forms and to understand how colours could evoke emotions. His time at the Bauhaus brought him into contact with other greats, such as Paul Klee, with whom he formed a close bond. Together, they strove towards a new, universal visual language that transcended individual styles and cultural boundaries.

Significant Exhibitions Kandinsky's work was recognised early on and exhibited in influential shows:

• Der Blaue Reiter exhibition in Munich (1911): This exhibition introduced the public to Kandinsky's pioneering ideas and those of his contemporaries.

• Solo exhibition at Galerie Der Sturm in Berlin (1912): His first major solo show, solidifying his position as a leading figure in the modern art world.

• The Armory Show in New York (1913): This marked the first presentation of his work in America, greatly expanding his international influence.

• Retrospective at the Guggenheim Museum in New York (1945): This exhibition showcased the full breadth of his career, allowing a new audience to follow his artistic evolution.
  

These exhibitions helped establish Kandinsky's reputation and introduced his abstract works to a broad audience, often met with both fascination and controversy.

Legacy and Influence Despite criticisms of his later works, which were sometimes seen as overly calculated, Kandinsky’s impact on modern art remains undeniable. He introduced a new understanding of art as a spiritual language, where forms and colours directly express the artist's inner life. Kandinsky opened doors that had previously been closed, inspiring generations of artists to look beyond visible reality.

Kandinsky’s work shows us that art does not always have to be tied to recognisable forms of the everyday. It is an expression of the soul, a language that connects us to the invisible. Whether you are an experienced art lover or someone discovering abstraction for the first time, Kandinsky’s work invites you to truly look, to open yourself to the power of colour and form. His paintings are like visual symphonies, taking us into a world where anything is possible if we are willing to listen to what we see.

Sources:

1. "Kandinsky: Complete Writings on Art" by Wassily Kandinsky and Peter VergoThis book compiles Kandinsky's most significant writings, providing insights into his thoughts on art and his philosophical approach. The texts offer a perspective on his views on abstraction and his contributions to art theory.

2. "Kandinsky: The Path to Abstraction" by Richard Shiff and Sean RainbirdThis book explores Kandinsky's journey towards abstraction, placing his art within the context of his personal development and the era he lived in. It contains valuable analyses of his works and his influence on abstract art.

3. "Wassily Kandinsky: A Revolution in Painting" by Ulrike Becks-MalornyBecks-Malorny delves into Kandinsky's life and artistic career in this comprehensive book, covering both his private life and his painting techniques and influences. It offers a chronological perspective on his creative evolution.

4. "Kandinsky: The Bauhaus Years" by Magdalena DabrowskiThis book focuses specifically on Kandinsky’s time at the Bauhaus, a pivotal period in his career, examining the relationship between his work and his role as a teacher and influential figure within the Bauhaus movement.

5. "Concerning the Spiritual in Art" by Wassily KandinskyAlthough not a biography, this book provides significant insights into Kandinsky's spiritual approach to art. It is a foundational work that outlines his theories on color, form, and the transcendent aspects of art, deeply connected to his personal beliefs and spiritual quest.

6. "Kandinsky: The Complete Works" by Hajo DüchtingThis book offers a comprehensive overview of his oeuvre, drawing connections between his paintings and his personal developments. Richly illustrated, it provides in-depth discussions of his most important works.

7. "Kandinsky and the Quest for Abstraction" by Hartwig Fischer and Evelyn BeneschThis book analyzes Kandinsky's pursuit of abstraction and the psychological and intellectual influences on his work. It contextualizes his personal life, artistic journeys, and interactions with his contemporaries.