Western Art Movements II Art Movements    

Lesson 25: Abstract - Composition VII (1913)

by Wassily Kandinsky

Directions

Study the artwork for one week.

Over the week:

• Examine the artwork.
• Read the synopsis.
• Study the vocabulary words.
• Recite the artist and artwork names.
• Read about the artwork's movement.
• Complete the enrichment activities.
• Discuss the review questions.

Synopsis

Although versions of abstract art exist going back centuries through today, the 'official' Abstract art movement was prevalent circa 1913-1920s. The next four weeks address abstract art, which breaks with more traditional attempts to accurately represent reality. The first abstract work, an oil painting on canvas by Russian painter Wassily Kandinsky, is titled 'Composition VII' (1913). [2] states "It was thought to be the first purely 'abstract painting' as abstract painting later came to be understood (as a culturally significant form, as opposed to 'mere ornamentation' created as a decorative element)."

Vocabulary

Abstract: Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
Abstract Art: Art that does not represent external reality, but seeks to achieve its effect using shapes, forms, colors, and textures.

Concepts

Featured Movement:

1. Name - Abstract
2. Peak Prevalence - 1913-1920s

Movement Characteristics:

1. Does not focus on representing concrete objects
2. Expresses ideas or thoughts
3. Uses shapes, forms, colors, and textures to express ideas
4. Note the use of shapes, colors, and textures in Giacomo Balla's abstract artwork, 'Iridescent Compenetration' (1913)

5. Study the use of texture in Kazimir Malevich's 'Black Square' (1915), another example of an abstract artwork

6. Examine the use of shape and color in Theo van Doesburg's abstract 'Composition VII' (the three graces) (1917)

Enrichment

Activity 1: Narrate the Artwork

• After studying the artwork, narrate the scene shown aloud using your own words.

Activity 2: Map the Artwork

Find Wassily Kandinsky's birthplace, Moscow, on the map of Russia.

Activity 3: Classify the Artwork

• This artwork belongs to the abstract art movement.
• Find the abstract art movement on the timeline.
• During which approximate years did the abstract art movement flourish?
• Which art movement followed the abstract art movement?

Activity 4: Recreate/Color the Artwork   

• Click the crayon above and complete page 28 of 'Fifth Grade Art History Coloring Book.'

Review

Question 1

To which western art movement does this painting belong?

1 / 4

Answer 1

This painting belongs to the abstract art movement.

1 / 4

Question 2

What is abstract art?

2 / 4

Answer 2

Abstract art does not attempt to represent external reality, but seeks to achieve its effect using shapes, forms, colors, and textures.

2 / 4

Question 3

How does the artwork serve as an example of the abstract art movement?

3 / 4

Answer 3

The artwork includes shapes, colors, and textures, but no concrete physical forms.

3 / 4

Question 4

During which century was this artwork created?

4 / 4

Answer 4

This artwork was created in the early 20th century (1913).

4 / 4

❮ ❯

1. To which western art movement does this painting belong? This painting belongs to the abstract art movement.
2. What is abstract art? Abstract art does not attempt to represent external reality, but seeks to achieve its effect using shapes, forms, colors, and textures.
3. How does the artwork serve as an example of the abstract art movement? The artwork includes shapes, colors, and textures, but no concrete physical forms.
4. During which century was this artwork created? This artwork was created in the early 20th century (1913).

References

'Abstract Art.' Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org. n.p.

'Composition VII.' Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org. n.p.