Russian artist Wassily Kandinsky’s painting, With the Black Arch, created in 1912, is an abstract representation of Russian themes with a focus on the Troika. The painting is dominated by three distinct areas of color that formulate this theme – black, white and gray which are representative of silence or space. The use of a limited palette allows each item in the painting to retain its clarity.
Kandinsky’s approach to creating this piece was through non-objective art which emphasizes the shape rather than representation. He believed in the significance of shapes like triangles and circles as they represented spiritual elements found within nature. As a pioneer of abstract art from late 19th century to early 20th century, Kandinsky developed his ideas about modernism which can be clearly observed in With Black Arch.
The black arch at the center represents emptiness and serves as a draining presence while encompassing all other elements present in the painting. This artwork can be found at Georges Pompidou Center in Paris for those appreciating art to examine closely and deeply understand what it represents beyond just mere aesthetics.