Definition

Noun: 1. An art movement: A movement in abstract art, specifically in painting, that originated in Russia around 1915. It is characterized by a focus on basic geometric forms, such as circles, squares, lines, and rectangles, painted in a limited range of colors. The movement sought to express the supremacy of pure artistic feeling or perception over the visual depiction of objects.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Kazimir Malevich's "Black Square" is considered the iconic work of Suprematism.
  • The museum's exhibition traces the development of Suprematism and its impact on modern design.
  • Her later paintings moved away from figurative work and embraced the principles of Suprematism.

Advanced Usage

• In art historical context: The term is used to describe not just the movement but also the specific style and philosophy behind it. It is often discussed in contrast to other contemporary movements like Constructivism, which applied abstract principles to social and industrial purposes.
  • While sharing a geometric vocabulary, Suprematism was more focused on spiritual expression, whereas Constructivism was utilitarian.

Variants and Related Words

• Suprematist (noun): An artist who creates works in the style of Suprematism.
  • Malevich was the leading Suprematist.
• Suprematist (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of Suprematism.
  • The gallery features a collection of Suprematist compositions.

Synonyms

• Geometric abstraction
• Non-objective art (in its specific Russian historical context)

Related Concepts

• Constructivism: A related but distinct artistic and architectural philosophy that emerged in Russia after Suprematism, emphasizing art as a practice for social purposes, often using similar geometric forms.
• Abstract art / Abstraction: The broader category of art that does not attempt to represent external reality, under which Suprematism is a specific movement.
• Avant-garde: The innovative, experimental, or pioneering concepts in art, with which Suprematism is associated.

Noun

1. a geometric abstractionist movement originated by Kazimir Malevich in Russia that influenced constructivism