KAZIMIR MALEVICH
WHITE ON WHITE
White on white
a square in a square.
Is it art?
Is it innovative?
Is it different?
Is it original?
Do you like it?
Or is it nonsense?
You ponder
You scratch your head
You tell me:
‘It’s taking the piss.
It’s rubbish!
A child could paint it’.
Is that what you really think?
But surely
you could you have fun
with colours
with shapes
with tones
Perhaps you couldn’t paint it
or something like it ?
You’re indignant.
I can see that.
Of course you are!
‘There’s nothing to it’
you say
‘It’s easy
Anyone can do it’.
So you could paint
something like:-
white on white
a square in a square.
Then why don’t you?
-
Author:
Michael Edwards (
Offline) - Published: November 27th, 2018 02:00
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 25
- Users favorite of this poem: Laura🌻
Offline)
Comments9
If only the doubters could open their minds - but some minds are closed. A work of art has to depict a recognisable subject - but with this mindset a whole world is closed to you.
As you know Michael I have a very open mind when it comes to art. I wish to thank you for introducing me to an artist I had not known. I have just had a brief glimpse on the web about him and one of the things that it seemed to show that "White on white" is quite a change from the other works that I have seen where black seems to dominate.
The few works of his that I have seen are intriguing so I will have to look further into his works.
Thank you for the introduction.
There are some of his works which don't appeal to me but I love this one.
By the way a good write and hopefully it may open peoples minds to abstract art.
Thanks Andy - there's always hope.
I have found that when you actually engage people they enjoy it. I do the occasional workshop and getting people to have a go (even though they claim to dislike abstract) can be quite a turning point. They play with colours and you can see the 'child' in them come out as they literally play around and with the surprising result that they enjoy the process and are often quite proud of the end result.
All it needs, as in many things is for people to try something different and they can get hooked into a new way. Change can be a revealing thing to all of us.
Why yes, here's my picture 'White on White'...………………… see it? Anyone could paint that! heehee.
Though I've become more used to abstracts lately. Could never afford any though.
Now a 'Silent Poem'. It goes on for 3,647 verses. No words in it though (You're pulling my leg, Orchi).
And could I sell my 'Silent Poem' for about £10 million?!
To really appreciate a silent poem you mustn't read it - anyway you couldn't if you wanted to as it isn't written down.
This is preposterous - and that 4 mins 33 seconds of 'silent music' in some piece somewhere!
You can have it playing as you don't read the poem.
Michael,
Good morning! Hope you’re feeling better.
I had the pleasure of admiring Kazimir Malevich’s artwork at the MoMA! There I was introduced to his WHITE ON WHITE and other paintings...quite extraordinary to say the least!
You have reminded me of his work through your exceptional write and art piece! Thank you for sharing your wonderful talents!
~Laura~
I've never visited the MoMA in Manhattan and am envious that you've seen it in the 'flesh'. As I said above not all his work appeals but that that does just 'blows' my mind away. So pleased you liked my write about it.
Sorry Laura - yes feeling better by the day. It was decided yesterday that my staples would remain in until next Monday - I am rather relieved as there is still some pain and redness and the last I want is another bursting open of the wound. I will write a short piece about the experience and although it will not be in poetic form I might post it here - but it will be a while yet when things get back to normal.
As my dad would say, “Piano, piano!”
Loosely translated....“take it nice and easy!”
Looking forward to your short piece!
Have a wonderful day!
GOOD EVENING MICHAEL ~ ANGELA & I are both afficianados of Modern & Abstract Art. I give a talk on Wharhol and one "Chocolate Box Painter" (Village Scenes like Yours) said "Any Fool could paint a can of Campbell's Soup" I asked him what was a most he had been paid for one of his Paintings. He replied £100 as a commission to paint a Man's House in a more Sylvan environment. I then asked him was he alive when ANDY painted his Soup Cans he said yes. Well I replied the one I showed recently sold for £5 million ~ why didn't you paint them ! NO REPLY.
In Liverpool a Lady won an art prize (£1000) with White on White the next year she won £2000 with Black on Black ! The next year (£ 3000) she submitted her CHESS BOARD and still won ~ AMEN ! Shades of Tracy Ennems Unmade Bed. MODERN ART is: Any shapes of any colour on any background ~ usually constrained in a geometrical 2D shape ~ OK ~ Thanks for sharing ~ Yours BRIAN ~ Young enough to understand & appreciate ABSTRACT ART & MUSIC etc !
Abstract work is so misunderstood - or should I say not understood at all. Having seen TE's bed I must say it does nothing for me - but I understand it - it's all about having an open mind and not accepting or rejecting anything blindly.
Russians excel at just about everything they attempt.
Kazimir Malevich introduced the art world to depth and volume without color in your referenced "White on White."
I visited Russia a few decades ago and you'd be surprised at how accomplished they are in many areas, including arts and science.
Your poem is an excellent tribute to Malevich as well as culminating in a dare for the reader.
Great job!
Thank you again Tamara - yes the Russians do excel - I've been to parts of Russia and would love to return - there's so much to see.
in any of its many forms, art.. at least in my opinion, is in general, much like beauty... in the eye of the individual beholder... there is no universal or collective perception or view... That said, I did most certainly enjoy your poem here and which undoubtedly raises an intriguing set of questions.. Cheers, Neville
Cheers Neville
no worries, no problem, my pleasure..
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