Suprematism 1916

Kazimir Malevich made this painting, Suprematism, with oil on canvas. Look at how Malevich uses these simple geometric forms to create something that feels like a world in motion. The rectangles and squares aren't just shapes; they’re like actors on a stage. The color palette is restrained but punchy, mostly blacks, whites, and yellows, with a hint of blue for zest. The real action is in the relationships between these blocks, how they tilt and overlap. Take that black rectangle that’s almost diving off the canvas. It’s solid, assertive. It’s balanced by the smaller yellow fragments, and the pale blue circle behind. I love how Malevich leaves it open to interpretation rather than sealing it off with some grand statement. Like Mondrian, Malevich was interested in the essential qualities of painting. They were both looking for ways to get painting down to its bare bones, and they’ve made space for us to think and feel. There's no one right answer here.