1. Read the text about avant-garde art of the early XX century. Which painting styles are mentioned here?

Avant-Garde Art(1900s − 1930s)

Comprised several styles, such as:Cubism − it was the first abstract style of modern art. Cubist paintings ignore the

traditions of perspective drawing and show you many views of a subject at one time. Representative artists: Aristarch Lentulov, Vasily Rozhdestvensky.

Vasily Rozhdestvensky, Still Life with Liqueur, 1913

Aristarch Lentulov, St. Bazil’s Cathedral, 1913

Abstract Expressionism-painters explored new ways of creating art. They changed the nature of painting with their large, abstract canvases, energetic and gestural lines. The painters often denied the meaningful content of painting, aiming at pure abstraction, yet using very often bright and vivid colours and numerous geometric shapes.

Representative artists: Wassiliy Kandinskiy, Alexandra Ekster

Alexandra Ekster, Venice. Panel, 1918

Wassiliy Kandinskiy, Composition VII, 1913

Suprematism − it was a geometric style of abstract painting. Rejected any use of representational images, believing that the non-representational forms of pure abstraction had a greater power and an ability to open the mind to the «supremacy of a pure feeling».

Representative artists: Casimir Malevich, Alexander Rodchenko.

Casimir Malevich, Black Suprematic Square, 1915

Alexander Rodchenko, Composition 56/76, 1917

Surrealism − was to liberate the artists’ imagination. Surrealistic art often shows magical and unrealistic images. The artists often painted upon the images of dreams.

Representative artists: Yuri Annenkov, Marc Chagall.

Marc Chagall, Marriage, 1911

Yuri Annenkov, Daydreams of a Provincial, 1912

2. Match the words connected with art with their definitions.

1) AVANT-GARDE2) LANDSCAPE3) PORTRAIT4) STILL-LIFE5) BACKGROUND

a) Depiction of natural scenery such as mountains, valleys, trees, rivers, and forests.

b) A painting, drawing, sculpture, or other likeness of an individual, especially of the face.

c) Style, which is considered to be significantly ahead of the majority in its technique, subject matter, or application.

d) A painting, picture, or photograph of usually household objects, such as flowers or food.

e) The ground or scenery located behind something.

Word Number Definition Example

1 c

3. Are you interested in art? Have you ever been in an art gallery? Share your impressions with a partner.