Once I have dived into the suprematism and constructivism styles, they both seemed the same but different. Confusion and stress overcame me. But not for so long! After diving into some research through the great book of Tony Seddon’s ‘Greetings from Retro Design’ and the knowledge I have received from my studies, I can describe suprematism and constructivism similarities as: both emerged in post-revolutionary Russia around the same time (1910s–1920s). Both use abstract geometric forms, rejecting classical art in favor of modern styles, and both are influenced by modernism and contemporary design.
Now as I described the similarities, let’s move to the differences between these two styles:
| SUPREMATISM | CONSTRUCTIVISM |
| Founded by Kazimir Malevich | Founded by Vladimir Tatlin and Alexander Rodchenko |
| Pure artistic expression | Practical design for social function |
| Focusing on spirituality and emotions | Main focus is to serve society and functionality |
| Floating geometric shapes | Geometric structures, grids, typography, mainly two or three colors |
| ART FOR ART’S SAKE | FUNCTIONAL ART |

Kazimir Malevich ‘Black Square’ (1915)
Picture from Tate Modern website

Advertising Poster. Read magazine ‘Molodaya Gvardiya’ (1924) by Alexander Rodchenko.
Image from artchive.com website
Contemporary Designs Influenced by Suprematism

Luzern Poster by Studio Feixen.
Contemporary Designs Influenced by Constructivism

Barack Obama “Hope” poster by Shepard Fairey, 2008
The image is from ART INSTITVTE CHICAGO