“Marpha and Van’ka,” created by Kazimir Malevich in 1929, is a significant example of the Neo-Suprematism movement. This genre painting measures 82 x 61 cm and belongs to the artist’s series known as the “2nd Peasant Cycle”.
The artwork portrays stylized human figures situated in a rural setting. The central figures, a large adult and a smaller child, are depicted with an abstract, geometrical aesthetic, highlighting Malevich’s distinctive style. The figures are shown from behind, walking together, perhaps symbolizing familial connections or the passing of traditions. The background features more abstracted and fragmented figures, engaged in rural activities against a vividly colored landscape. The use of bold colors and simplified forms encapsulates the essence of the Neo-Suprematist movement, emphasizing simplicity and the abstraction of real-world subjects. The overall composition evokes a sense of movement and simplicity, consistent with Malevich’s vision of reducing objects to their basic geometric shapes.