Here are two squares - El Lissitzky

A seminal work of Russian Suprematism, this print features the iconic red and black squares from El Lissitzky's 1922 narrative book.

El Lissitzky, a central figure in the Russian avant-garde, produced 'Here are two squares' as a suprematist children's book. This specific print represents a page from the narrative, which Lissitzky described as a story about two squares, one red and one black, moving through space. The work reflects the artist's interest in the intersection of typography, geometry, and architecture.

The composition is stark and deliberate. A black square sits in the upper left, while a red square is tilted at an angle below it. The surrounding space is defined by a thin, rectangular frame. The inclusion of Cyrillic text, arranged vertically, integrates language into the visual field, a hallmark of Lissitzky's graphic design work. The limited palette of black, red, and off-white paper creates a high-contrast visual experience that prioritises clarity and form over representational imagery.

Lissitzky viewed the book as a physical object that required the reader to participate in the construction of meaning. By stripping away traditional illustration, he forced the viewer to engage with the basic elements of design: line, shape, and colour. This print captures the essence of his 'PROUN' experiments, where he explored the transition from two-dimensional painting to three-dimensional architectural space. The geometric precision and the economy of means demonstrate his belief in the power of universal visual language. This piece remains a significant example of early twentieth-century modernism, reflecting the radical shift in how art could be produced and consumed during the post-revolutionary period in Russia.