Artwork

Супрематизм

Супрематизм, by Ilya Chashnik, oil, 1923
Супрематизм, by Ilya Chashnik, oil, 1923

Супрематизм is an oil painting by the Constructivist artist Ilya Chashnik. It dates from 1923 and is held in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery.

About this work

The painting is titled Супрематизм and was created by Ilya Chashnik in 1923.

I don't know what the painting looks like, but I can tell you that it's an oil painting. The title Супрематизм suggests a connection to Suprematism, an art movement that emphasized geometric forms.

You can learn more about this style by looking up the technique of chiaroscuro.

Overview

Ilya Grigorevich Chashnik executed the oil painting titled Супрематизм in 1923. The work exemplifies his engagement with abstract geometric composition, reflecting the principles of early twentieth‑century Russian avant‑garde. It is presently part of the Tretyakov Gallery’s permanent holdings, where it is displayed among other works of the period.

Context

Chashnik, a direct disciple of Kazimir Malevich, operated within the Suprematist and Constructivist currents that emerged after the Russian Revolution. His practice focused on reducing visual language to basic shapes and colors, seeking a non‑representational expression of pure artistic feeling. This painting illustrates his commitment to those ideals.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas, the piece employs flat, intersecting geometric forms characteristic of Suprematist abstraction. The lack of figurative content and the emphasis on spatial relationships align with the movement’s rejection of traditional perspective, favoring a visual language based on line, plane, and color contrast.

History & Provenance

Since its creation, the painting has remained in Russian institutional collections, ultimately entering the Tretyakov Gallery’s collection. The museum acquired it as part of its effort to preserve key works of the early Soviet avant‑garde, ensuring public access to Chashnik’s contribution to Suprematist art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Ilya Chashnik

Artist

Ilya Chashnik

Ilya Grigorevich Chashnik (26 June 1902 – 4 March 1929) was a suprematist artist, a pupil of Kazimir Malevich and a founding member of the UNOVIS school.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Tretyakov Gallery open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.