**Early Life and the Seeds of Abstraction**
Wassily Wassilyevich Kandinsky, a Russian painter and art theorist, is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of abstraction in Western art. Born in Moscow on December 16, 1866, Kandinsky's early life was marked by a diverse range of studies, including law and economics at the University of Moscow. However, it was not until he was 30 that he began his journey into the world of painting.
**The Formative Years**
In 1896, Kandinsky settled in Munich, where he first studied under Anton Ažbe's private school and later at the Academy of Fine Arts. This period marked the beginning of his intense exploration into colour and form, which would eventually lead to his groundbreaking abstract works.
**Artistic Periods and Inner Necessity**
Kandinsky's artistic evolution can be characterized by several distinct periods, each reflecting his deepening understanding of the role of colour in art. His concept of "inner necessity" - a fervent spiritual desire to create from an inner beauty - guided much of his work.
- Wassily Kandinsky's passion for abstract art was sparked by a unique experience: finding one of his own paintings hanging upside down in his studio, leading him to realize the potential power of abstraction.
- His early work was influenced by an exhibit of Monet's paintings, particularly "Haystacks," which showcased the impressionistic style and its emphasis on colour independent of objects.
**Later Life and Legacy**
After returning to Moscow in 1914, Kandinsky played a significant role in establishing the Museum of the Culture of Painting. However, his spiritual outlook soon found more welcoming grounds in Germany, where he taught at the Bauhaus school from 1922 until its closure by the Nazis in 1933. Eventually, Kandinsky moved to France, becoming a French citizen in 1939 and producing some of his most prominent art until his passing in Neuilly-sur-Seine in 1944.
**Key Works and Collections:**
**Explore More:**
- [https://WahooArt.com/@@/A@D3AN7B](The Museum National Gallery Tretyakov (Moscow, Russia)) - Learn more about this esteemed institution and its collection.
- [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wassily_Kandinsky](Wassily Kandinsky) - Delve deeper into the life and works of this pioneering artist on Wikipedia.