Kandinsky

Bringing the life and works of the great painter to life, Kandinsky explores the extraordinary output of one of Russia's most well-known and influential artists. This book follows his artistic development, from the early folk art inspired by his native Russia, via his involvement with both Der Blaue Reiter (`The Blue Rider') group and the Bauhaus, where he taught for several years, to the later abstract paintings that are so recognizable today. A complex and intriguing character, Kandinsky trained as a lawyer before abruptly turning to art at the age of 30. Although known internationally as the `Father of Abstraction', this was a concept over which he anguished for years, before embracing it in his later work. Both in his writings and in his paintings, Kandinsky's influence has been enormous. He in turn was influenced by many different movements, from Art Nouveau to Symbolism and Surrealism. This book charts his artistic progress, and is a stunning of an exceptional artist.