Open Fora

Vita Susak

doi:10.5077/journals/connexe.2019.e255

Abstract

Just half a century ago, Malevich’s name was familiar to very few people. On a wave of international interest to the avant-garde, he became a world-famous artist. Kazimir Malevich (1879–1935) was born into a Polish family in Kyiv and created the Black Square (1915) in Moscow. These are the most important facts that todayallow three countries (Poland, Ukraine, and Russia) to consider him as their “own” artist. Art historians and curators actively research Malevich’s work, usually arguing that he belongs to the culture they themselves represent.This paper gives a brief overview of the discovery of Malevich in the West and of his late recognition in the USSR. It also deals with the growth of his popularity since the early 1980s, and provides examples of the current use of his name and work in cultural-political narratives. Malevich’s legacy has gone far beyond art history tobecome iconic in each of the three countries. Today the abstract visual language unseats realistic images due to its universal nature; pure abstract forms become incorporated with their three-dimensional configurations into urban spaces. Million-dollar prices at auctions encourage counterfeits, resulting in some huge scandals. Suprematist language is employed in a very broad range: from the tragic to the entertaining. Malevich becomes a “trump card” in national “decks.” It is precisely the international meaning of Malevich’s ideas that has caused national “competition” for this author.

Highlights

Just half a century ago, Malevich’s name was familiar to very few people
Already in the mid-1930s, this prominent American art historian understood the significance of Malevich’s legacy: In the history of abstract art, Malevich is a figure of fundamental importance
Malevich’s paintings were not being exhibited in Paris for the first time, but it was the first time he had been placed in the context of Polish avant

Summary

Introduction

Just half a century ago, Malevich’s name was familiar to very few people. On a wave of international interest to the avant-garde, he became a world-famous artist. The West saw Malevich’s works at exhibitions in Warsaw and Berlin in 1927, and once again at the famous show Cubism and Abstract Art organised by Alfred H. Already in the mid-1930s, this prominent American art historian understood the significance of Malevich’s legacy: In the history of abstract art, Malevich is a figure of fundamental importance.

Results

Conclusion