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Kazimir Malevich (b. 1878, near Kiev, Ukraine; d. 1935, Leningrad), one of the most celebrated Russian artists of his generation, is recognized for his innovations in Suprematism, an abstract style that sought to capture the essence of color and form. Before arriving at this point around 1914, however, he experimented with various styles such as Realism and Impressionism, as well as more current developments in contemporary art. He was especially influenced by Cubism, characterized by the breaking down of form and space, and Italian Futurism, which sought to simultaneously convey shifting forms and the dynamism of the modern city. Malevich had encountered these modernist movements through his active engagement with the Russian avant-garde.

This intimate presentation of six paintings spans a ten-year period and illustrates Malevich’s path toward a truly original mode of artistic expression. Moreover, the works share a unique history: each was included in the retrospective exhibition of Malevich’s work in Poland and Germany in 1927 and the works have not been exhibited together since that time.

Kazimir Malevich, Morning in the Village after Snowstorm (Utro posle v'iugi v derevne), 1912. Oil on canvas, 80 x 80 cm. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York  52.1327