Compare and contrast No. 13 (White, Red on Yellow) by Mark Rothko to Airplane Flying by Kazimir Malevich – An ‘Isms’ Overview

Art history is marked by various movements and artists who have revolutionized the way we perceive and interpret visual representations. Mark Rothko, an abstract expressionist painter, and Kazimir Malevich, a pioneer of the Russian avant-garde movement, are two influential figures in the art world. This analysis aims to compare and contrast Rothko’s “No. 13 (White, Red on Yellow)” and Malevich’s “Airplane Flying,” highlighting their similarities and differences in terms of style, composition, and underlying philosophies.

Rothko’s “No. 13 (White, Red on Yellow)” showcases his signature style of colour field painting. The canvas is dominated by large rectangular blocks of colour, with the three primary colours—white, red, and yellow—taking centre stage. Rothko’s emphasis on the emotional and spiritual power of colour is evident in the painting’s simplicity and the luminous quality of the hues. The rectangular forms seem to float and merge, creating a sense of depth and ambiguity, inviting the viewer into a contemplative experience.

In contrast, Malevich’s “Airplane Flying” belongs to the Suprematist movement, characterized by the use of geometric shapes and a reductionist approach. The painting consists of a bold black triangle hovering against a white background, with a small red rectangle attached to one of its edges. Malevich’s intention was to strip art down to its fundamental elements, transcending representation and embracing pure abstraction. The composition exudes a sense of dynamism and movement, as if the triangle is soaring through the expanse of the canvas.

Rothko and Malevich had distinct philosophical approaches to art, which influenced their respective works. Rothko believed that art had the power to evoke deep emotional responses and access the spiritual realm. His paintings aimed to create an intimate connection between the viewer and the canvas, providing a space for contemplation and introspection. “No. 13 (White, Red on Yellow)” reflects Rothko’s exploration of colour as a conduit for emotional and transcendent experiences, encouraging viewers to immerse themselves in the atmospheric depths of his work.

On the other hand, Malevich’s Suprematist movement sought to reject the constraints of representational art altogether. He envisioned a world beyond material reality, where art could exist independently of any subject matter. “Airplane Flying” embodies Malevich’s belief in the supremacy of geometric shapes and the potential of abstraction to create a new visual language. The sharp lines and contrasting colours in the painting represent a departure from the physical world, urging viewers to engage with art on a purely aesthetic and intellectual level.

In conclusion, the comparison between Rothko’s “No. 13 (White, Red on Yellow)” and Malevich’s “Airplane Flying” reveals the divergent paths taken by these artists within the realm of abstract art. While both works demonstrate a departure from traditional representational forms, Rothko’s colour field painting emphasizes emotional and spiritual expression, while Malevich’s Suprematist approach focuses on the reduction of art to its essential elements. Despite their differences, both paintings challenge viewers to engage with art beyond the realm of the physical, inviting them to explore the depths of human perception and transcendence.