Wassily Kandinsky (1866–1944) (after) - "Composition VIII, 1923"

- Wassily Kandinsky (after), "Composition VIII, 1923". Authorized offset print on heavyweight smooth satin paper (approximately 300gsm).

Signed on the plate.

Stamp on the verso.

- Condition: excellent. Never framed, never exposed.

Size: 60 x 80cm.

Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944) was a pioneering Russian painter and art theorist, often credited as one of the founders of abstract art in the early 20th century. Born in Moscow, Kandinsky spent his early career as a law professor before moving to Munich to study painting. It was here that he began to develop his theories about art, particularly about the use of color and form, which he believed were capable of evoking spiritual values and emotional responses.

Kandinsky's artistic style underwent significant transformations throughout his career. Initially influenced by Impressionism, his work soon moved towards a more abstract style as he founded the Blue Rider group with like-minded artists in Munich. The outbreak of World War I forced him to return to Russia, where he engaged with Constructivism for a while before moving to Germany to teach at the Bauhaus school from 1922 until the Nazis closed it in 1933. He then moved to France, where he lived until his death.

"Composition VIII," created in 1923, is one of Kandinsky's most famous works and exemplifies his mature period during his time at the Bauhaus. This painting is noted for its geometric rigor and is a masterpiece of abstract composition. The work is characterized by an assortment of geometric forms, lines, and colors that interact dynamically across the canvas. Kandinsky uses a diverse palette to create contrasts and harmonies, exploring the balance and tension between the elements. The painting is a visual representation of his theories about the psychological effects of color and shape, and it demonstrates his belief that art could visually express musical compositions.

Kandinsky's paintings are highly valued in the art market, with his works regularly fetching high prices at auction. 'Composition VIII' reflects his revolutionary approach to painting, which has had a profound impact on the development of abstract art. His artworks are held in major museums around the world, and his influence on subsequent generations of artists has been immense.

Wassily Kandinsky's legacy as a pioneer of abstract painting and his contributions to art theory remain influential. His exploration of color and form has opened new avenues for expressing emotional and spiritual dimensions, making his work a crucial part of the evolution of modern art. 'Composition VIII' remains a celebrated piece for its complex and aesthetically pleasing arrangement of geometric figures and interplay of colors, showcasing Kandinsky's unique ability to blend theoretical musings with practical artistic applications.

Some artists of similar importance include Basquiat, Picasso, Hockney, Lichtenstein, Sorolla, Banksy, Brainwash, Miró, Nara, Soulages, Lagasse, Ramos, Rothko, Lautrec, Klimt, Matisse, Hirst, Chagall, Koons, Haring, Indiana, Mondrian, Groening, Richter, Monroe, Kusama, Murakami, Testa, Villemot, Oldenburg, Hopper, Ripolles, Wesselmann, Magritte, Jenk, Orlinski, Wille, Rizzi, Manara, Thiebaud, Kaws, Valentino, Cappiello, Kandinsky, Warhol, Buffa, Tura, Castle, Ponti, Knoll, Le Corbusier, Robert, Johns, Starck, Breuer, Nelson, Mogensen, Ponti, Bertoia, Urquiola, Chillida, Magistretti, Gauguin, Monet, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Botero, Katz, among others.