Kandinsky’s early works were traditional in style and depicted landscapes and city scenes in a realistic manner. However, after moving to Germany in 1896, his artistic style began to change. He came into contact with the works of the German expressionist group, Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider), which had a profound impact on his artistic development.
The paintings of the Blue Rider group were characterised by their intense emotional expression and vivid colours. Kandinsky’s works also began to reflect this new artistic movement, and he began to experiment with colour, form, and abstraction in his paintings. This led Kandinsky to create some of his most famous works, such as “Composition VII” (1913) and “Yellow-Red-Blue” (1925).
Kandinsky’s art was heavily influenced by his interest in spirituality and his belief in the power of art to convey universal truths. He believed that art had the power to transcend the physical world and communicate with the soul of the viewer.
Kandinsky’s innovative vision of abstraction was groundbreaking in the art world, and his influence can still be seen today. His belief that colours and shapes had an inherent spiritual value was a revolutionary concept in the art world and paved the way for later abstract artists such as Joan Miró and Piet Mondrian.
Kandinsky was also an important figure in the development of art education. He believed that art should be taught as a rigorous academic discipline and founded a number of influential art schools throughout his career. One of his most famous teaching positions was at the Bauhaus, one of the most important art schools of the 20th century.
Kandinsky’s importance as an artist and philosopher did not diminish with age. In fact, he continued to produce ground-breaking works throughout his career. This is evidenced by his series of works created towards the end of his life, which were collectively known as the “Late Period.” These works show a shift towards a more colourful and positive theme that reflected his belief in the spiritual possibilities of art.
Kandinsky’s legacy as an artist and thinker continues to inspire generations of artists and scholars. His writings on art, including his seminal work, “Concerning the Spiritual in Art,” continue to be studied by art historians and students alike. His paintings hang in major museums all over the world, and his influence on the art world cannot be overstated.
In conclusion, Wassily Kandinsky was one of the most important and influential artists of the 20th century. His revolutionary ideas about the spiritual power of art and his pioneering use of abstraction have had a profound impact on the art world. Kandinsky’s influence continues to be felt today and his legacy as an artist and philosopher will remain for generations to come.