Explore the radical vision of Kazimir Malevich (1879-1935), the Russian avant-garde artist who reduced painting to its most essential elements and changed the course of abstraction. This pocket guide traces his development from early experiments with Impressionism, Symbolism, and Cubo-Futurism to the revolutionary geometric language of Suprematism. Discover what to look for in his floating squares, circles, crosses, stark contrasts, and carefully balanced fields of color, and learn how these seemingly simple forms expressed ambitious ideas about perception, space, and artistic freedom. Biographical insights, illuminating anecdotes, a personal portrait, and memorable quotations place his innovations within a period of immense cultural and political change. A focused study of one defining masterpiece examines its meaning and continuing influence. Featuring more than 65 full-color reproductions, this volume offers a clear and engaging introduction to one of the boldest pioneers of twentieth-century art.