TED-Ed: Why is this black square famous? | Allison Leigh

Kazimir Mallevich's Black Square, initially controversial, is more complex than it appears. Its imperfect form and layered history reflect Mallevich's journey through various art styles, culminating in Supremacism, a movement prioritizing feeling over representation. Despite political repression under Stalin, Mallevich's work continued to subtly challenge norms, embedding his legacy in art history.

What was the initial reaction of some attendees to Mallevich's Black Square?

• They were indifferent to it.

• They thought it was too simple.

• They believed it was a masterpiece.

• They praised its complexity.

What did technical analysis reveal about the Black Square?

• It was painted on a new canvas.

• It had layers of previous paintings underneath.

• It was created using digital tools.

• It was perfectly black and square.

Which art style did Mallevich develop that focused on pure feeling?

• Impressionism

• Cubism

• Futurism

• Suprematism

What was Mallevich's view on abstract art?

• He considered it too complex for the average person.

• He felt it was too focused on color.

• He thought it was still tied to real-world objects.

• He believed it was the ultimate form of art.

How did Stalin's rise to power affect Mallevich's work?

• He was encouraged to continue Suprematism.

• He was forced to stop painting altogether.

• He had to adapt to socialist realism.

• He moved to another country.

What did Mallevich's later paintings of peasants symbolize?

• A return to traditional art forms.

• A complete abandonment of his earlier ideas.

• A subtle continuation of his Suprematist ideas.

• A focus on urban life.

What symbolic element did Mallevich include in his self-portrait?

• A large red circle

• A tiny black square

• A blue rectangle

• A golden triangle