Wassily Kandinsky (1866–1944) was a Russian painter and art theorist, widely regarded as a pioneer of abstract art. His work marked a decisive break from representational painting, focusing instead on color, form, and emotional expression as independent artistic elements.

Born in Moscow, Kandinsky initially pursued studies in law and economics before fully dedicating himself to art. His early paintings were influenced by landscape and folk art, but over time he moved toward increasingly abstract compositions. He believed that art should communicate inner emotion and spiritual experience rather than depict the visible world.

Kandinsky’s paintings are characterized by bold colors, dynamic lines, and rhythmic forms arranged in expressive harmony. He explored the psychological and spiritual effects of color, treating visual elements much like musical notes in a composition. This approach allowed his work to convey movement, tension, and emotion without relying on recognizable subjects.

Today, Wassily Kandinsky is recognized as one of the most influential figures of modern art. His theories and artistic innovations laid the foundation for abstraction in the 20th century, and his paintings remain admired for their expressive power, originality, and lasting influence on contemporary art.

• Movement: Abstract art, Expressionism
• Known for: abstraction, expressive color, dynamic composition
• Themes: spirituality, emotion, rhythm, and inner expression