Lot 143: Yefim Royak , Russian 1889-1970 Composition with Suprematist Elements, 1974 collage on board

signed twice and titled in Cyrillic, inscribed N72 and dated 74 (on the reverse) collage on board

measurements 20 by 16 in. alternate measurements 51 by 41 cm

The youngest of Kazimir Malevich's students, Yefim Royak was one of the most devoted adherents of Malevich's program, introducing elements of the non-representational style of Suprematism into his graphics, paintings, and collages. Royak initially studied with Marc Chagall at the Vitebsk School of Art (1919), but after Malevich's arrival he soon became a member of Malevich's UNOVIS (Affirmers of the New Art) group. Royak contributed to the 1921 UNOVIS exhibition in Vitebsk, as well as to Die erste russische Kunstausstellung (The First Russian Art Exhibition) in 1922 and the Exhibition of Pictures of Petrograd Artists of All Directions, held in 1923. In 1927, Royak collaborated with El Lissitzky on an entry for a design competition. Influenced by the ideas of the Constructivist movement, Royak was an active contributor to the main architectural projects of the Vesnin brothers between 1934 and 1941.