Why is Wassily Kandinsky often associated with the beginnings of pure abstraction?

Wassily Kandinsky is recognized as a pioneer of abstract art because he was among the first artists to move away from representational imagery toward completely non-objective painting.12

His transition to pure abstraction began during his time in Munich, where he founded the influential group Der Blaue Reiter (1911–1914). Kandinsky’s work evolved significantly over his career, shifting from fluid, organic forms to more structured geometric compositions. This evolution was deeply rooted in his role as a leading 20th-century art theorist. In his seminal treatise, Concerning the Spiritual in Art, he explored the psychological and spiritual effects of color and form, arguing that these elements could communicate meaning independently of physical objects.123

Later, while teaching at the Bauhaus, Kandinsky applied these theories methodically, as seen in works like Composition VIII (1923). By analyzing the emotional resonance of lines and shapes, he pushed the boundaries of what painting could achieve, cementing his legacy as a foundational figure in the development of modern abstraction.23