The meaning of Supremus No. 56 by Kazimir Malevich

Supremus No. 56 by Kazimir Malevich is a groundbreaking painting that holds significant meaning and importance in the world of abstract art. Created in 1916, this iconic piece is emblematic of Malevich's suprematist movement, where he sought to transcend representational art and convey pure feeling and spiritual essence through abstract forms.In its straightforward interpretation, Supremus No. 56 is a composition of simple geometric shapes suspended in an ethereal white space. The painting consists of intersecting squares, rectangles, and triangles, all arranged in a dynamic and carefully balanced manner. The absence of any recognizable subject matter removes the burden of representation, enabling the viewer to focus solely on the arrangement and relationships between the shapes.One interpretation of this painting revolves around the idea of objective universality. Malevich believed that art should not be influenced by external factors such as political or social agendas. Hence, Supremus No. 56 could be seen as an assertion of the autonomy of art, existing purely for its own sake. The clean lines and geometric forms in the artwork represent the fundamental essence of the visual language, free from any subjective associations.However, let us now delve into an unexpected and imaginative interpretation of the painting. What if Supremus No. 56 is not merely an exploration of form and abstraction, but a visual representation of the interconnectedness between the physical and spiritual realms? Building upon the notion of objectivity, we can consider that Malevich may have aimed to depict a realm beyond our material perception.In this alternate interpretation, the squares, rectangles, and triangles are not just geometric shapes but symbols of different planes of existence. The squares could represent the physical world, confined by its rigid boundaries and rules, while the rectangles may symbolize the realm of human experience, with its varied dimensions and perspectives. The triangles, on the other hand, might represent the spiritual realm, transcending the limitations of physical existence.The floating shapes in the painting are intriguingly suspended within the vast white space. This could be seen as the boundary between the material and the spiritual, where the shapes hover between two worlds. The meticulous arrangement and balance of the forms could be seen as Malevich's attempt to harmonize these realms, suggesting that the fulfillment of one's spiritual self requires a balanced existence between the physical and the metaphysical.By introducing this unexpected interpretation, we bring a new layer of intrigue and complexity to the understanding of Supremus No. 56. While the straightforward interpretation embodies the essence of abstract art and its autonomous nature, the imaginative interpretation delves into the metaphysical and the interconnectedness of existence.In conclusion, Supremus No. 56 by Kazimir Malevich is a painting of profound significance and meaning. Whether seen as an exploration of pure abstraction or a visual representation of the interconnectedness between the physical and spiritual realms, this iconic artwork continues to captivate viewers and spark intellectual discourse. Malevich's emphasis on the autonomy of art and the potential for deeper, subjective meanings invites us to ponder and explore the limitless possibilities within abstract art.