"Black Square" - "Red Square" Blended DSGA Bar
Tom R. Chambers' "Black Square" - "Red Square" Blended DSGA Bar project is a fascinating artistic intervention that layers historical context with
contemporary digital techniques. By blending Malevich's iconic "Black Square" and "Red Square" into a unified backdrop and then employing a bar form derived from his 'Digital Suprematism - Geometric Abstraction' project, Chambers initiates a dialogue about artistic ownership, political appropriation, and the evolution of geometric abstraction. The pieces skillfully utilize the inherent tensions between Malevich's original works.
The blended color field, a compromise between black and red, represents a negotiation. It implicitly asks, can the stark absoluteness of pure artistic i intent be diluted or compromised to serve a broader purpose, be it aesthetic harmony or, as historically happened with the "Red Square," political messaging? The historical context provided is crucial. Chambers acknowledges the politicization of 'Red Square' during the Vitebsk years and Lissitzky's role in transforming it into a symbol of Bolshevism through the Unovis seal. This effectively positions the piece as a commentary on the potential for art to be hijacked and re-contextualized, moving away from its original meaning. Malevich's steadfast insistence on 'Black Square' as the true icon of Suprematism adds further weight to this dynamic.
The integration of Chambers' own 'Digital Suprematism - Geometric Abstraction' project into the work brings a contemporary dimension to the discussion. By converting these digital abstractions into vertical bar forms and centering them onto the blended backdrop, he seems to be suggesting a continuity of artistic exploration within the framework of Suprematism, albeit one informed by digital tools and a deeper understanding of the historical
baggage associated with these iconic shapes.
In conclusion, Chambers' pieces are more than just visually striking compositions; it's a thought-provoking exploration of artistic intent, political appropriation, and the enduring legacy of Suprematism. The 'Black Square' - 'Red Square' Blended DSGA Bar project succeeds in initiating a conversation about the evolving meaning and potential manipulation of art in the modern world.