Wassily Kandinsky (1866–1944) is one of the great figures of Modernism, a pioneer of abstraction, whose works are known in this country mostly from reproduction. The Tate has now gathered some 60 key paintings from important international collections (a significant portion come from Kandinsky’s native Russia) and put together a superb exhibition which it’s difficult to fault. It is particularly refreshing to be completely unaware of the galleries for a change, and focused so intently on the paintings. I was involved, drawn in, enthralled. These are paintings which seem to dematerialise the walls rather than simply hang upon them. The drama of the pictures takes over and monopolises the attention. For once, the splendid view from the windows of St Paul’s and the river is ignored. Kandinsky commands pride of place.
The show opens in rather a restrained manner, with the early, more naturalistic landscapes, though already the blazon of colour is upon them.
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