Man. Illogical figures of men and women 1916

Kazimir Malevich made this drawing, "Man. Illogical figures of men and women," using pencil or charcoal on paper. Its quick, confident strokes suggest a preparatory sketch, perhaps for a costume design. The material itself – humble graphite – invites us to consider the work’s social context. Malevich was active during a time of profound social upheaval in Russia, and his turn toward abstraction was in part an effort to break free from old hierarchies. The medium is crucial here. It’s inherently democratic, a far cry from the preciousness of oil paint. The drawing's strength lies in its raw, direct quality, seemingly capturing a fleeting idea. The angular forms and cryptic symbols challenge conventional representation. It is a clear departure from traditional fine art, embracing a more utilitarian and socially engaged approach to artistic practice. In this way, the drawing itself embodies the revolutionary spirit of its time.