Final answer:
Wassily Kandinsky was instrumental in developing abstract art, with a focus on the spiritual and emotional impact of shapes and colors, exemplified in works like 'Composition VII' and 'Improvisation 28'. He believed that color could evoke vibrations in the soul and used geometric elements in his work, such as in 'Der Blaue Reiter'. His theories on art are published in his book 'Concerning the Spiritual in Art'.
Step-by-step explanation:
Wassily Kandinsky's Art
Wassily Kandinsky is renowned for his pivotal role in developing abstract art. Kandinsky's artistic journey reflects his profound interest in the connection between color and the soul. His belief that color could evoke vibrations in the soul led to pioneering works that departed from representational art to focus on abstract forms and the emotions they could convey. One of his most significant pieces, Composition VII (1913), exemplifies his abstract style, comprising a complex arrangement of colors and shapes to elicit a preconscious emotional response. This work, along with others like Improvisation 28 and Yellow-Red-Blue, affirmed Kandinsky's commitment to exploring the spiritual in art.
Kandinsky also held strong views on the geometric elements in his work, seeing a simple dot as the seed that could grow into any geometric form. The intersection of these forms and colors was central to his creations as exemplified in Der Blaue Reiter. Moreover, Kandinsky's influence extended beyond painting; he was an art theorist, which is evident in his writings, such as 'Concerning the Spiritual in Art'. In this book, Kandinsky delves into his philosophical views on art's role in tapping into the spiritual and emotional realms.
Unfortunately, political turmoil impacted Kandinsky's career. Following the Russian Revolution and his ensuing conflicts with the Soviet regime's materialism, several of his works were confiscated and labeled 'degenerate' by the Nazis, leading to the destruction of some of his paintings. Nonetheless, Kandinsky's vision and style have had an enduring legacy, shaping the course of modern art.