Output details
34 - Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory
Cardiff Metropolitan University (joint submission with University of South Wales and University of Wales Trinity Saint David)
The role of mathematical structure, natural form and pattern in the art theory of Wassily Kandinsky: the quest for order and unity
The essay argues for the importance of mathematics, natural and visual patterns, and the concept of evolution in the theory (and practice) of Kandinsky. In exploring these relations, the research establishes hitherto undeveloped links in Kandinsky’s theory between art, mathematics and science. The essay concludes that in developing the relations between these disciplines, Kandinsky attempts to establish a kind of ‘genetic blueprint’ of all living things, which, once uncovered, would establish the laws according to which discrete ‘building blocks’ of life in art and nature are organized. In so doing, the research acts a something of a counter to influential texts published since around 1970 (Ringbom, Long, Weiss), which have promoted the importance of Kandinsky’s interest in spiritual and quasi-religious forms of thought for the understanding of his art theory and practice. The essay was written in response to an invitation from Paul Crowther and Isabel Wünsche, based on a proposal for a conference paper.
