What do you think of this painting by Malevich?

 

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You like it? explain why

 

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Nicolette

At first glance, I would have probably walked right by this panting in a museum, on account of it being so simple, but being required to examine it; I am starting to appreciate all of its subtleties.

Debbie -

I actually like the painting; I tend to like drawings and paintings that are symmetrical. The choice of background color along with the warm red give an illusion of warmth.

Suzana

I like the painting, because it's simply and easy. I don't see anything special, except squares, but if I need to find a meanning, I'd say those two squares represents me a danger (red) that loneliness or emptiness (black) could cause to people.

Megan

I like the painting, the boldness of it catches your eye and draws you in. It is very simple and calming.

Nathan

Very relaxed and simple. Art like this reminds us of how simple beauty can be.

Dawn

I enjoyed the painting. It is simple and tjo me has a contemporary feel to it. This is something I would display in my home.

Pratt

As a minimalist abstract painting, I don't really see any flaws in execution.  The canvas is balanced enough; the form is simple, not meant to confuse.  The name reflects this; it isn't titled "Twilight of a Dream" or anything overly pretentious.  Nevertheless, there is simply very little here to engage viewers, unless they are engaged in an active discussion of cubism.  Had it been produced in modern times, I would say it was tailored to match a greater interior design philosophy, rather than standing alone before the vagaries of art criticism.  With functionality as a standard, this painting would make a nice item to break up a blank wall in a commercial outlet or a transitory region in a medium-to-large residence (assuming an otherwise compatible design philosophy), but I find it unlikely that it could withstand scrutiny as the focus of a room, regardless of other design elements.  Probably, given an astute owner and suitable company, it could make a mildly engaging conversation-starter piece in a den or rec room.  Still, the piece has something of the feel of a potted ficus plant; hard to criticize prima facie, but requiring care to be presentable and never becoming terribly impressive.  Nothing bad, but also nothing too outstanding. 

 

 

You don't like it? explain why

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Parker

I don't consider this style of abstract as an art form. It seems like merely a way for people to make money without effort off of those naiive enough to purchase it. It's just taking advantage of the flexable borderlines of art. If it was done with the intention of proving this point, such as in the feild of dadaism, that would be one thing... But when it's just for quick cash, it's rude, and blasphemises the sacred word "Art."

 

Shannon

I personally don't like this piece because it doesn't provoke any emotion in me, doesn't seem to be "about" anything or have anything to say. All I see is a red square and a black square on off-white background. But then, I confess I really don't "get" abstract art, though I do respect it, and I do respect those who produce it.

 

Jeannine

I am not really interested in the peice. Its just alittle too plain for me. I like abstract art, but I would love to see more color and depth than just 2 squares.

 

 

Heather

When I look at this painting I thought...are you joking, even I, the worst of the worst drawers can draw something that people would rather look at. But then I thought I guess everyone has a differnt aspect on every drawing. And where I don't see anything interresting others see art.

 

Kerry

The painting really did not jump out at me. It is very plain and emotionless. I guess not having any artistic background, I really do not see any meaning to this painting. All I really see is two squares, one red and one black. I do like some abstract art, but something more lively, perhaps with more activity.

 

David

If this is suppose to be a form of art my nephew would be rich he's 3.

 

Andrew

I don't like it at all. Maybe it's a joke, and somehow we all fell for it...it's not really art.

conor

I think this painting is boring it has no life to it

 

Amanda

I do not enjoy the painting. In a way it actually aggravates me a little because I am trying to put meaning to it and I cannot.

 

Mike H

It's usless really. Red and black squares... and crooked? Wouldnt go well with a wallpaper... Maybe as a "write-your-own message hallmark card. No that would be no good. "Let's make pure feeling." Too much time spend in Ukranian opium dens...

 

Can you describe what you see?

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Nicolette

The colors are vibrant blocks; the red seems to jump at you and the black looks as if it is retreating. Also the angle in which the red square is situated, gives it a moving and falling sensation. I like how the white is not a solid white, but more of a “painterly” brush stroke white which also evokes a feeling of movement. The relationship and tension of all the colors and shapes gives this piece a feeling of constructed motion. The painting started to make me wonder how the motion would feel if the squares’ colors were interchanged.

 

Heather

 

Because art is something new to me, all I see is two object, squares to be exact. But like I said before someone who is rather artistic whould express this painting with an artistic matter. Hopefully this class whould change things.

 

Nathan

I see that the artist was maybe in a dark, contrasting mood. Maybe at odds with himself at the time? That would explain the 2 squares, similar in shape, but with different sizes, angles, and colors. Not to mention the vague, mysterious background.

 

dawn

I see something very eye catching, both bright and bold with a washed looking backround. I feel the artist may have felt powerless(the red square) and like he was being dragged into a dark place that has more power(larger black square).

 

David

A white rectangle, a black square, and a red square set off at an angle from the others.

 

Andrew

I see some meaning,

 

Conor

I see a black and red square the rest is what you want it to be

 

Amanda

If I were to put any meaning to this picture, I see the red square trying to leave/break free from the more powerful black square.

 

Can you find Online something interesting to share with us about Malevitch or what he paint...?

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Suzana

Interesting thoughts while I was researching about Malevich's work were: `The object in itself is meaningless... the ideas of the conscious mind are worthless. What he wanted was a non-objective representation, ``the supremacy of pure feeling. This can sound convincing until one asks what it actually means.

 

Nathan

After researching a bit, I read that Malevich developed his own style called suprematism. Prioritizing feelings over everything else. That explains the amount of feelings conveyed through his paintings.

 

Dawn

Malevich was born near Kiev. His earliest work shows the influence of cubism. In 1912 he began to develop his own style knowns as suprematism, using only geometric elements.