The artwork titled “Flying to Earth from a Distance,” created in 1920 by El Lissitzky in Moscow, Russian Federation, is a notable example of the Suprematist movement. Measuring 25.5 x 21 cm, this illustration is part of the series “Suprematic Tale About Two Squares.” The visual presentation aligns with the artistic principles advocated by the Suprematist movement, known for its emphasis on fundamental geometric forms and pure artistic feeling.
The artwork depicts a dynamic composition grounded in geometric abstraction. The central focus is a large red circle, positioned in the lower left quadrant of the piece, adorned with a cluster of smaller black and grey geometric structures on its upper edge, suggesting an architectural or urban form. In contrast, the upper right portion of the composition features two rotated squares, one red and one black, seemingly in motion towards the larger circle. These elements are enclosed within a minimalistic frame, with sparse textual elements adding a layer of context without overtaking the visual simplicity. This interplay of geometric shapes and minimal color palette exemplifies Lissitzky’s commitment to the principles of Suprematism, transforming basic forms into a representation of cosmic narrative and abstract storytelling.
