“On White II” is a phenomenal creation by Russian painter Wassily Wassilyevich Kandinsky. Created in the year 1923, this painting is a classic example of ‘Abstract Geometrical Art,’ based on different geometric forms and shapes, especially portrayed in a non-illusionistic manner. Kandinsky’s “On White II” is a work of detailed analysis and critical precision. Each geometric feature, right from a triangle to a circle to even the points, the lines, and even the surface used for painting, all involve a meticulous competence. In Wassily’s words, these are called as ‘the basic plan.’ So powerful ‘Abstract Geometrical Art’ was that it was later included in the curriculum of an architecture & art school, ‘The Bauhaus.’
The span of the details of Kandinsky’s, “On White II” spans to include each unit of it. Each point of this artwork is significant in its own way. This 105cm x 98cm creation depicts a magnificent usage of complex shapes, climaxed with an interesting harmony of colors. A milestone of the twentieth century ‘Modern Art,’ “On White II” definitely manages to catch a viewer’s attention for good. It will compel you for its critical analysis, leaving you amazed. The original and the excellent color scheme of the painting reflect Wassily’s love for freedom and imagination, while portraying a broad spectrum of emotions.
The prolific white was used to endless dimensions, thereby representing the possibilities and the opportunities of life, while expressing peace and silence as well. On the other hand, Black portrays the non-existent, the nothingness, and the terminal death. “On White II” employs an intelligent and an expressive combination of these two key colors, black and white. The next attention catching hues are blue and yellow. The overall effect of the painting can be connected to Wassily Wassilyevich’s love for music. The riot of colors is quite similar to the riot of notes a good piece of music creates. In Kandinsky’s words, “music is the ultimate teacher.” He always related the art of painting with composing music and therefore, often referred to his paintings as “Composition.” In his words, “Color is the keyboard, the eyes are the hammer, the soul is the piano with the strings.”
To keep his art alive, a lot of oil painting reproduction of “On White II” were made and were transacted by several art lovers globally. Today, even so many years later of Kandinsky’s death (1944), he is still remembered him as the creator of first ‘Modern Art’ painting, “On White II.” Very few artists can express death deeply enough through colors. In his words, “Black is like the silence of the body after death, the close of life.” – Wassily Kandinsky, 1911.
