Malevich: Revival of Ukrainian identity through cinema

Was Kazimir Malevich really Russian? Why did his name become a symbol for Ukraine? These questions are answered by a new biographical film by Ukrainian director Daria Onishchenko, which immerses the audience in the world of the artist, who became a real phenomenon of the avant-garde.

Kazimir Malevich: From Russian narrative to Ukrainian roots

Kazimir Malevich remains one of the most outstanding figures in the history of art, but his legacy was long exploited by the Soviet system. The tape "Malevich" aims to change this narrative, returning the artist to his true national identity. This is precisely the main mission of the project — to show Malevich as a genius with Ukrainian roots.

"This film is an attempt to win back 'yours'. It aims to engrave the truth in history: Kazimir Malevich is Ukrainian, " the authors of the film emphasize.

War as an obstacle to art

Filming began before the war, but the armed conflict forced the team to adapt to new conditions. Leading Ukrainian actors, including Vitaly Azhnov in the role of Malevich, faced the challenges of direct Russian fire. Instead of Kharkiv Oblast, the filming was moved to Kyiv and other safer places.

Four squares of Malevich's life

The plot of the tape reveals four key periods of the artist's life, divided into "squares". This bold approach to structure reflects the avant-garde aesthetic that was so close to Malevich. The audience will see his early works, the exhibition "0.10" with the legendary "Black Square", as well as his activities at the Vitebsk School and the Art Institute.

Malevich: Symbol of the struggle for freedom

Thanks to the tape "Malevich", the director Daria Onishchenko masterfully returns the artist to the Ukrainian context, emphasizing his role as a symbol of the struggle against Soviet oppression. This film won the hearts of the audience at the Kyiv International Film Festival "Youth", and it will be released on the big screens in the spring.

Editor: Emiliia Morozova