Nadezhda Udaltsova

Born 1885. Attended, with Popova, the Académie de la Palette, quickly assimilating the principles of Cubism from Le Fauconnier and Metzinger. The two artists’ shared commitment to Cubism is exemplified by a comparison of two 1913 works: Udaltsova’s Composition and Popova’s Composition with Figures are both precise interpretations of the Cubist syntax. Cubism remained paramount for Udaltsova and even though she studied the constructive art of Vladimir Tatlin and recognized the stature of Kazimir Malevich, she gave comparatively scant attention to the possibilities of abstract painting. She exhibited with the Jack of Diamonds group, who emphasized the importance of Cézanne and Picasso. Although she did some work with Suprematist fabrics and taught textile design at the Vkhutemas, Udaltsova’s primary interest continued to be painting throughout her artistic career, despite the Post-Revolutionary pressure to adapt the fine arts to utility. Died 1961.