Constructivism vs Suprematism

構成主義 / シュプレマティスム

Constructivism comes from Avant-garde and Suprematism from Geometric Abstraction. Both are read here as style. They are reached for with some of the same intent, which is where they get confused.

Constructivism

Constructivism — El Lissitzky《赤い楔で白を撃て》1919 — Wikimedia Commons / Public domainConstructivism — El Lissitzky 作品 1919 — Wikimedia Commons / Public domainConstructivism — Liubov Popova《コンポジション》1917 — Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

Turns a message into motion with diagonals and hard contrast.

Suprematism

Suprematism — Kazimir Malevich, Suprematist Composition, 1916 — Wikimedia Commons / Public domainSuprematism — リシツキー『赤い楔で白を撃て』1919 — Wikimedia Commons / Public domainSuprematism — マレーヴィチ『黒の正方形』1915 — Wikimedia Commons / Public domain

Leaves depiction behind, raising felt tension from a few geometric forms and empty space.

ConstructivismSuprematism
Era1910s–1930s1915–1920s
FamilyAvant-gardeGeometric Abstraction
KindStyleStyle
CuesRed, black and white / Diagonal axis / Photomontage / Imperative letteringFloating rectangles / White space / Diagonal gravity / Restricted color
Best used forCampaigns that demand action · Delivering a strong statement in an instantPresenting a concept as sensation, not explanation · Unstable motion inside emptiness
TypeHeavy condensed type in capitalsKeep type small and neutral, apart from the forms' motion
CompositionCollide photography and type along a diagonal spineThree to seven forms on a diagonal axis, never touching
MaterialCoarse halftones, cut-out photos, three colors onlyWhite, black and red at the core; restrict the palette
CautionCarries strong propaganda associations. Check the ethics of context and message.Don't stop at scattering shapes. Feel the gravity and spacing continuing beyond the frame.

Put these two together

Avant-garde ／ Geometric Abstraction

IndexStyle