The Iconic Abstract Art of Wassily Kandinsky: Composition VII - Essay Sample

Introduction

Composition VII that was painted by Wassilyn Kandinsky is the most important abstract painting of the past century. The picture receives mixed reactions from viewers as it creates frustration, disgust and anger for its first viewers and those who are not familiar with abstract art. It is enormous with a dimension of two hundred by three hundred centimeters, and the surface is covered with numerous overlapping shapeless form and random lines. Viewers are greeted with vivid and blurred colors and no representative of the natural world. The artwork captures the dramatic and decorative aspects of artwork that has seen it stand relevant for all these years.

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In its dramatic effect to the viewers, the space of the drawing does not resemble reality but creates a perceptible illusion. The drawing is filled with mysteries that could easily be viewed as useless to those who are not willing to unravel its mysteries. However, Composition VII offers visual, spiritual and intellectual dividends to the patient viewer that could last a lifetime. It is essential to some quarters that it is seen as a particular incarnation of spiritual purity in the artwork. It offers a window to another world that only a few can comprehend.

Composition VII was important to Kandinsky because he believed the picture captured the ideal of all his compositions representing three artistic inspirations that include the impression, improvisation, and composition. In his description, impression is viewed as a direct thought of the outward nature. At the same time, improvisation is a spontaneous expression that is unconscious of the real-life and composition is considered to be the representation of an inner feeling uttered after long maturing.

Composition VII is often entitled flood because it is a combination of colors, lines, and planes that express the decorative aspect of the artist. The dramatic aspect in the drawing is represented by strokes of blue and red stripes that intersect with black lines running from the top the lower end of the picture. Tones of pink in varying saturation are used to bring a solemn feeling to the canvas. The dark brown color denotes hopelessness and the strokes of yellow and green balances the general palette of the drawing.

In its dramatic aspect, the large strokes of color in the drawing could represent a catastrophe that also creates a picture of a new world. However, the pink spots are used to hide the dramatic element of the lines. The spots create peace and bring objectivity to the whole drawing that is interrupted by blue spots that give an impression of inner warmth. The warm effect that is naturally cold strengthens the dramatic aspect of the drawing. The smooth and rough areas are combined with other canvas surface treatment methods that bring new emotions to the viewer as they approach the drawing.

Thus, the drawing presents a dynamic movement of life that is expressed by indefinite forms and color exclusive way. All the contradictory elements in the drawing squares out and become equal to ensure that none prevails over the other and that the original motive is was transferred to its objective existence. A tremendous disaster that occurs objectively is both absolute and an independent song of praise that can be compared to a song of a new creation that comes immediately after a disastrous event.

Andy Warhol, Marilyn Diptych

Andy Warhol's Marilyn Diptych has two canvases on which Marilyn Monroe photograph was silkscreened fifty times. The first glance of the picture invites viewers to worship an icon as it represents a Christian painting. It is this resemblance to Jesus Christ introduces viewers to the scandal that catapults both the drawing to fame. The drawing is a critique of both contemporary life and modern art.

In the original picture, the actress is seen with heavy-lidded eyes and parted lips, and Warhol uses the silkscreen technique to flatten her face. The silkscreen repetitions complicated the identity of the artist as the painting makes him less human and more of a robot. The fact that Warhol began making the painting immediately after her death through suicide presents a ghostly symmetry. The death of the artist is present all over the drawing. The purple face on the left is similar to an embalmed corpse, and the lighter tones on the right make it seem like she is vanishing before our eyes.

Warhol notes that repetitive exposure to a picture de-sensitizes the viewers. The portfolio that contained ten screenprints has half of the photographs colored in black and white while the other half was heavily pigmented. The picture is the subject of discussion among Christians as it depicts Jesus on a cross on one side and Virgin Mary on the other side. This comparison makes Marilyn Monroe and idol as it easily recognized across the globe. The picture captures the attention of many viewers who relate it to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the cross and the humble demeanor of the Virgin Mary that all Catholics have been called upon to emulate. Although controversial because no human should be compared to the Virgin Mary, the picture captures the intent of the artist and passes over history to other generations.