From Proun
El Lissitzky
Description
Subject Matter:
"Proun" is a word that El Lissitzky invented in 1919. He kept the exact definition of it to himself. Lissitzky produced a series of paintings and lithographs throughout the 1920s with "proun" in the title. They resemble this in their clear, perspectival, geometric shapes. Some scholars argue that the word is meant to encompass elements of paintings, architecture, and graphic work and combine all of them into one style while others believe it is an acronym for "project for the affirmation of the new" in Russian.
Physical Description:
This abstract composition of layered geometric shapes shows a large yellow rectangle on the left and a black rectangle on the right forming the base/background layer. On top of them is another yellow rectangle of a slightly darker shade and a thin rectangular box to the right. One horizontal rectangle divides the top third of the composition.
Usage Rights:
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit https://umma.umich.edu/request-image/ for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.