Mild process 1928

Wassily Kandinsky made *Mild Process* with oil on cardboard, though the exact date is unknown. Kandinsky, a pioneer of abstract art, was deeply influenced by his spiritual beliefs and sought to express inner emotions and universal themes through his work. Here, the composition is divided into distinct registers. The top evokes open sky, contrasted against the architectural forms toward the bottom. These shapes are suggestive of buildings or machinery. The floating, geometric forms, and the presence of industrial motifs create a visual language that departs from traditional representation. Kandinsky aimed to create art that transcended cultural and social boundaries, reflecting a desire for a more harmonious and spiritual world. While seemingly utopian, one has to consider the historical context in which this art was made – the build-up to WWII. Kandinsky’s abstraction was not merely a formal exercise, but a deeply felt response to a world in turmoil.