Kandinsky at the Pompidou
Kandinsky: genius economist, theoretician extraordinaire or the inventor of abstract art?
A late bloomer
From 1866 to 1944, the life and art of Wassily Kandinsky have gone through many upheavals: after studying economics and law, he threw himself into an academic career to which he would remain faithful until his thirtieth birthday.
Multiple influences
Changes began in 1896: fascinated by colour, influenced by fauvism and pointillism, then Bauhaus, he then started focusing on shapes, which he combined in ever larger, increasingly abstract and symbolic compositions.
Art and spirituality
One of the major theoreticians of his time, Kandinsky draws inspiration from the link between colours and music dubbing his canvases “Improvisations” and “Compositions.” For him, shapes contain and cause emotions, interior states, “resonances“ which add a spiritual dimension to his work.
A unique retrospective
The Centre Pompidou already established a close relationship with the master, and owns a vast collection of his works. As proof of this attachment, the third floor library has been named in his honour.
To celebrate the launch of a new catalogue raisonné, the museum is organising an exceptionally rich retrospective, showcasing the evolution of his work through his travels and through the years. By partnering with the Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus in Munich and New York‘s very own Guggenheim, the Centre has managed to present nearly a hundred canvases, as well as rarer artefacts such as water colours and manuscripts.
A man of his time
The show, unique in its approach and structure, is completed by a series of concerts and conferences that further help understand the deep and complex relationship Kandinsky entertained with his time and the many great personalities that populated it.
From 1866 to 1944, the life and art of Wassily Kandinsky have gone through many upheavals: after studying economics and law, he threw himself into an academic career to which he would remain faithful until his thirtieth birthday.
Multiple influences
Changes began in 1896: fascinated by colour, influenced by fauvism and pointillism, then Bauhaus, he then started focusing on shapes, which he combined in ever larger, increasingly abstract and symbolic compositions.
Art and spirituality
One of the major theoreticians of his time, Kandinsky draws inspiration from the link between colours and music dubbing his canvases “Improvisations” and “Compositions.” For him, shapes contain and cause emotions, interior states, “resonances“ which add a spiritual dimension to his work.
A unique retrospective
The Centre Pompidou already established a close relationship with the master, and owns a vast collection of his works. As proof of this attachment, the third floor library has been named in his honour.
To celebrate the launch of a new catalogue raisonné, the museum is organising an exceptionally rich retrospective, showcasing the evolution of his work through his travels and through the years. By partnering with the Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus in Munich and New York‘s very own Guggenheim, the Centre has managed to present nearly a hundred canvases, as well as rarer artefacts such as water colours and manuscripts.
A man of his time
The show, unique in its approach and structure, is completed by a series of concerts and conferences that further help understand the deep and complex relationship Kandinsky entertained with his time and the many great personalities that populated it.
FJ de Kermadec
Juin 2009
