Russian Avant-Garde | HOW TO SEE the art movement with MoMA curator Roxana Marcoci

Recent questions

• What is the significance of the 1917 Russian Revolution in art history?

  The 1917 Russian Revolution was a pivotal event that inspired the Avant-Garde period from 1912 to 1935. Russian artists during this time revolutionized art by transforming European ideas into a radical nonrepresentational vocabulary, marking a significant shift in artistic expression.

• How did Malevich contribute to the Avant-Garde movement?

  Malevich, a key figure in the Avant-Garde movement, viewed visual components as abstract forms superior to nature. He created gravity-less compositions like "White on White" that emphasized paint materiality, texture, color, and asymmetrical composition, pushing the boundaries of traditional art.

• What were the contrasting approaches of Malevich's Suprematism and Rodchenko's Constructivism?

  Malevich's Suprematism focused on form supremacy, while Rodchenko's Constructivism emphasized materiality and objectivity. Malevich's abstract forms challenged traditional art, while Rodchenko used simple tools like a compass and ruler to create innovative compositions that aimed to revolutionize society through art.

• How did Rodchenko contribute to the Avant-Garde movement beyond Constructivism?

  Rodchenko, known for his Constructivist works, later shifted to photography and film, experimenting with dynamic camera angles and montage theories. His innovative approach to visual arts expanded beyond traditional mediums, showcasing his versatility and impact on the Avant-Garde movement.

• What was the main goal of the Russian Avant-Garde movement?

  The Russian Avant-Garde movement aimed to revolutionize society through art by pushing the boundaries of traditional artistic expression. Artists like Malevich and Rodchenko sought to challenge norms and create innovative works that reflected the changing social and political landscape of the time.