Mature Riding

Title: Kandinsky’s “Mature Riding” (1940) – Celebrating Abstract Art

Year Painted: 1940

Kandinsky’s “Mature Riding” is one of the most celebrated examples of abstract art. Wassily Kandinsky was a Russian artist who believed that colors and shapes could express emotions without references to the objective world. He openly stated that a variety of geometric shapes, lines, and forms, when combined with the right mixture of colors, can communicate vibrations in a way that words never could. In his famous essay, “Concerning the Spiritual in Art,” Kandinsky encouraged his readers to embrace the spiritual essence of art.

“Mature Riding” is a fascinating example of Kandinsky’s unique style and perspective on abstract art. The painting was created in 1940, during a time of enormous political turmoil and social upheaval in Europe. Germany had invaded Poland, and World War II was just beginning to unfold. In such a tumultuous time, Kandinsky aimed to communicate a message of hope and creativity through his art.

The painting itself is deeply symbolic. Kandinsky uses curved and jagged lines to convey motion and energy, while the bold primary colors of red, blue, and yellow vibrate with a sense of vitality and strength. The composition of the painting is made up of geometric shapes that overlap and blend together, creating visual complexity and movement. The absence of recognizable figures and the use of abstract shapes gives the painting a universal significance that transcends time and place.

“Mature Riding” represents the evolution of Kandinsky’s art style towards a more mature and fully developed form. He spent years studying the properties of color and the ways in which geometric shapes can communicate emotions and ideas. The result was a unique style that had unparalleled influence on modern abstract art.

In summary, Kandinsky’s “Mature Riding” is a powerful and celebrated work of art. Its bold colors, striking composition, and unique style have made it an enduring example of abstract art. Moreover, its creation during a time of great political turmoil and social unrest imbues it with a sense of hope and rejuvenation that resonates with audiences even today. Kandinsky was a trailblazer in the world of abstract art, and his legacy lives on through celebrated works like “Mature Riding.”