Description
Kazimir Malevich, an outstanding figure of Russian avant -garde art and precursor to suprematism, continues to surprise with his works throughout art history. "Old timer - 1913" (Old Timer - 1913) is one of those creations that, although not as known as its iconic "black square", reveals the artistic and conceptual transition of Malevich, as well as its approach to the deformation and reconstruction of reality.
This painting is a clear example of its interest in Cubism and futurism. The work shows an abstract figure, decomposed in geometric shapes and fragmented in several planes that are interpenetated. The forms are predominantly angular, with few curved elements, giving rise to a feeling of dynamism contained in a seemingly static structure. Without a doubt, it is a provocative representation of an "old timer", perhaps a man or even a mythological being, but Malevich chooses to suggest it by rigid contours and a palette of complex and modest colors at the same time.
The chromatic palette of the work is divided into predominant tones of brown, ocher, black and white, with small touches of blue and green. Such choice of colors evokes a certain nostalgia, reminiscent of photographs aged by time. The use of earthly and off colors contrasts with the expected vivacity of the avant -garde that generally have more strident colors. However, it is precisely this contrast that gives the work of an intriguing, almost enigmatic aura, and suggests a reflection on the passage of time and the permanence of certain figures and objects in collective memory.
In "old timer - 1913", the left of the composition is dominated by a structure starring larger and more defined geometric figures, while to the right an apparent disorder is appreciated that, if observed carefully, reveals an implicit balance. This dichotomy suggests a dialogue between the firm past and the present fluid and changing, an issue that appears recurrently in Malevich's works during this stage of his career.
It is important to contextualize this work within the trajectory of Malevich and its evolution. In 1913, the artist was immersed in the search for his own pictorial voice, sailing between the influences of European Cubism and Italian futurism. This period is precursive to its suprematist stage that would reach its culmination in 1915 with works such as "Black Square". "Old timer - 1913" It is inserted in this interval as a key piece that represents its transition towards the total abstraction of suprematist forms.
Looking beyond "old timer", this piece could be linked to others, where he experiences with Cubism in works such as "The lumberjack" (1912) and prefigures his suprematism with geometric compositions that explore the relationship between space and shape.
In conclusion, "old timer - 1913" by Kazimir Malevich is a work that denounces the mastery of its author by interweaveing contemporary influences, an emotionally evocative palette and a reflexive compositional structure. It is a piece that invites the viewer to reflect on time, permanence and transformation, establishing a bridge between the art of the early twentieth century and more abstract and timeless concepts. Malevich, with precise brushstrokes and conscious colors, catches the essence of the ephemeral and perpetual, consolidating once again as an indisputable visionary and pioneer in the history of art.
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