Biography

Russian artist Wassily Kandinsky is considered as one of the pioneers of abstract art. Born in Moscow, Kandinsky moved to Munich in 1986 to enrol at the Munich Academy. Whilst in Germany, Kandinsky was one of the founders of Der Blaue Reiter, a group of artists that included Franz Marc, Alexej von Jawlensky and Paul Klee, who were integral in the conception of German Expressionism.

Kandinsky is known for his lyrical style and innovative theories on art, which were founded upon the belief that abstract colours and forms expressed the “inner life” of the artist. Often inspired by music, Kandinsky’s most recognisable works are characterised by vibrant colours and an inexplicably dynamic compositions comprised of abstract forms. Kandinsky would go on to teach his theories at the Bauhaus, the historic Weimar institution that championed unity between form and function.

Kandinsky’s achievements are reflected in his presence in many of the leading Modernist art collections and is currently the subject of a major retrospective at the Guggenheim Bilbao, from November 2020 to May 2021. In June 2017, his abstract canvas, Bild mit Weissen Linien (Painting with White Lines) sold for £33 million at Sotheby’s London.