Kazmir Malevich is an interesting figure in so many different ways and stands on the brink of so much change both cultural and political. He painted in a wide variety of styles and created many masterpieces in a comparatively short period of time. For more detailed information on this extraordinary Ukrainian/Polish artist it is worth referring to http://www.theartstory.org/artist-malevich-kasimir.htm

He is most well-known for the invention of “Suprematism (Russian: Супрематизм) was an art movement focused on fundamental geometric forms (in particular the square and circle) which formed in Russia in 1915-1916. ” However, his earlier work is very attractive and appealing. His self-portrait 1908 already shows a simplicity of form, intensity and dramatic  use of colour and composition. If that appeals then there is a pleasing You-tube accompanied by Bruch’s “Violin Concerto No.1 in G minor, Op. 26 at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTkLh8NTXHA and another at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP31bqFiy6s which is rather short. At MOMA there is another useful introduction,supposedly for children at http://www.moma.org/explore/multimedia/audios/1/2168

A later self-portrait shows the influence of Stalinist art but retains a strong feeling of renaissance influence and a notably defiant expression and added his signature the picture with a tiny black-over-white square (the suprematist painting for which he is most famous).