Slab ConstructionInspired by Wassily Kandinsky and Paul Klee

Born in 1866 in Moscow, Kandinsky learned to play piano and cello. He studied Law and became a professor of law. When he was 30 he decided to study art and moved to Munich, Germany. This decision was due to seeing an exhibition of French Impressionist painters (such as the paintings on right) and hearing a performance of the composer Wagner.

Claude Monet (French, 1840–1926)

Haystacks (Effect of Snow and Sun), 1891

Oil on canvas

Claude Monet

Haystacks, (Midday), 1890-91

KandinskyHouses in Murnau on Obermarkt, 1908Oil on cardboard

Wassily Kandinsky

Wassily Kandinsky - Horizontale, 1924

He is credited with creating the first truly abstract painting.

He formed an Expressionist group called the Blue Rider. This group believed in an abstract

style of painting based on the inner properties of color and form.

He taught at the Bauhaus in Germany (a famous design school for combining crafts and fine

art). This school was closed by the Nazis in 1932, which led him to move to Paris.

He wrote about his theories in his book Concerning the Spiritual in Art published in 1912.http://www.wassilykandinsky.net/

Yellow, Red, Blue, 1925 Wassily Kandinsky

Kandinsky - Structure Joyeuse (Merry Structure), 1926

Kandinsky often related the painting of colors and pictures on a canvas to the composition

of beautiful music, and as such, named many of his paintings variants of Composition.

They were carefully arranged musical elements, precisely proportioned to evoke the

maximum aesthetic and emotional response from the viewer. He believed that the marks

and color made from the heart of the artist should speak to the soul of the viewer.

Wassily Kandinsky (Mit Und Gegen), 1929Translation into English: and with opposition

Fixed, 1935 by Wassily Kandinsky

His art from 1934-1944 he often called “a picturesque fairy tale."

Paul Klee Klee is another artist who was interested in art that had a musicality to it. His work was often child-like and very playful. In 1911 he joined

Kandinsky’s Blue Rider group of artists. He also taught at the Bauhaus.

Paul Klee (1879‑1940)

They're Biting

1920

Watercolour and oil paint on paper

Castle and Sun by Paul Klee1928oil on canvas

Paul Klee1921Watercolor and oil on canvas18.9 x 12.2 in

Paul Klee, Three Houses and a Bridge, 1922

http://www.wassilykandinsky.net/

http://www.wassilykandinsky.net/fblikes.php

http://www.wassily-kandinsky.org/

http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/paul-klee-1417

http://totallyhistory.com/paul-klee-paintings/

Objectives:• Analyze the elements of design used in Wassily Kandinsky's

and Paul Klee’s paintings. Compare musical terms with what

you see in the paintings.

• Synthesize the elements into a three-dimensional form. In

other words, design a slab vessel or composition using non-

objective elements as seen in the work of Wassily

Kandinsky or Paul Klee.

• Think of your slab vessel as a three-dimensional

manifestation of a musical composition using non-

representational symbols. The work may be geometric,

organic, or a combination of both.

Tom HuckUntitled1988Clay20th Century11 3/4 in. x 11 3/4 in. x 4 in. (29.85 cm x 29.85 cm x 10.16 cm)

Student Examples

• Works may be functional or non-functional.

• The work is to be freestanding, balanced, and in

harmony with the elements (color, form, shape,

line) used.

• Craftsmanship (attention to details) is important

as you refine your and finish your work.

Other Considerations:

Art Elements

•Shape

•Form

•Color

•Texture

Texture: how a surface feels

(tactile or actual texture)

or looks like it would feel (implied or

visual texture)

Color: we see color due to light reflecting off objects

The three properties of color are:

•HUE: the name given to a color

•VALUE: the lightness or darkness of a color

•INTENSITY: the strength or vividness of the color

Principles of Design

•Balance

•Unity

•Variety

How well the elements of design are arranged; equalizing visual forces and elements. (“visual weight”)

Symmetrical

Mirror images on both sides of

the sculpture

Asymmetrical

Different parts are balanced like a seesawRadial

All sides rotate around a central point

Balance

Unity: the quality of wholeness or oneness; all the parts work in harmonyVariety: using different or contrasting elements to keep the viewer’s interest