Lyubov Popova

As a leading figure in 20th century abstract art, Russian artist, Lyubov Popova, was a co-founder of Constructivism and helped significantly shape the development of avant-garde art in Russia prior to Stalin’s takeover. Popova’s style matured as she explored the inventive style of Cubo-Futurism—getting inspiration from both the French cubists as well as Italian futurist works. She soon joined the likes of Kazimir Malevich in the Suprematism movement, exploring the idea of non-objective art that utilized Constructivist elements of surface, line, space and color, leading her to produce her own series of works titled Painterly Architectonics. In 1921, Popova displayed her work in one final exhibition, deciding to abandon fine art painting entirely in favor of more practical art. Sadly, Popova passed away only three years later, leaving an impressive legacy as one of the dominant female artists of early 20th century Russian art.