Wassily Kandinsky, a pivotal figure in the history of modern art, is renowned for his pioneering role in the development of abstract art. Born in Moscow, Russia, on December 4, 1866 (according to the Julian calendar), or December 16, 1866 (according to the Gregorian calendar), Kandinsky's life was a testament to his multifaceted talents and his relentless pursuit of artistic expression.
Kandinsky's journey into the world of art was not immediate. Initially, he pursued a career in law and economics, having graduated from the University of Moscow. However, after attending a performance of Wagner's "Lohengrin" at the age of 30, he was profoundly moved and decided to dedicate his life to art. He moved to Munich in 1896 to study at the Academy of Fine Arts, where he began to develop his unique style.
One of Kandinsky's most significant contributions to art was his concept of "inner necessity," which he believed was the driving force behind an artist's work. He sought to express the spiritual and emotional through color and form, rather than relying on a representation of the physical world. This approach was groundbreaking and paved the way for abstract art as we know it today.
Kandinsky's work evolved over the years, and he was a prolific writer as well. His book "Concerning the Spiritual in Art," published in 1912, is considered one of the most important texts on abstract art. In it, he theorized that art could transcend the physical and connect directly with the viewer's soul through the use of color and form.
Throughout his career, Kandinsky was associated with various art movements, including the Blue Rider (Der Blaue Reiter) group, which he co-founded with Franz Marc in 1911. The group was characterized by its emphasis on spirituality and the emotional power of art, which aligned with Kandinsky's own beliefs.
Kandinsky's later years were marked by a move to Paris in 1933, prompted by the rise of the Nazi regime in Germany. His work was condemned by the Nazis as "degenerate art," and he faced persecution. In Paris, he continued to create and exhibit his work, and his style further evolved, incorporating elements of surrealism and biomorphic shapes.
Wassily Kandinsky passed away on December 13, 1944, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. His death marked the end of a life dedicated to the exploration of artistic expression and the expansion of the boundaries of what art could be. Kandinsky's legacy continues to influence artists and thinkers around the world, and his work remains a touchstone for the study of abstract art.

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Wassily Kandinsky, Russian in full Vasily Vasilyevich Kandinsky, (born December 4 [December 16, New Style], 1866, Moscow, Russia--died December 13, 1944, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France), Russian-born artist, one of the first creators of pure abstraction in modern painting.read more >>