BLACK SQUARE Meaning and
Definition
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A "black square" refers to a simple geometric shape that exists in a two-dimensional space, most commonly represented as a four-sided figure with equal length sides forming right angles. Its distinct feature is its color, which is uniformly dark or devoid of light, typically associated with the absence of color or light. In the context of art, the term is often associated with the famous artwork titled "Black Square" by Kazimir Malevich, a prominent figure of the Russian avant-garde art movement. Malevich's "Black Square" is considered a seminal piece of art, created in 1915, which consisted of a perfectly square canvas painted entirely in black. This artwork challenged traditional representations in visual art by rejecting any recognizable subject matter or narrative, instead embracing pure abstraction and minimalism.
Additionally, the term "black square" can be used metaphorically to signify emptiness or void, both in a literal or figurative sense. It may symbolize nothingness, obscurity, or mystery. In a broader sense, "black square" can symbolize the depths of a closed system, the beginning or end of something, or even a state of ambiguity. Contextually, this term may vary from representing an actual black square in a specific field like mathematics, design, or art, to abstract concepts associated with the color black and squares in various aspects of life, ranging from science and technology to philosophy and aesthetics.
Etymology of BLACK SQUARE
The etymology of the word "black square" is fairly straightforward, as it is a combination of two simple words:
1. Black: The term "black" originated from the Old English word "blæc", which is akin to the Old High German "blah" and Old Norse "blakkr". The word has remained relatively consistent in its meaning throughout history and refers to the color that absorbs light and has little or no hue.
2. Square: The word "square" comes from the Old French "esquare", which derives from the Latin "exquadrare" meaning "to square, make even". It refers to a geometric shape with four equal sides and right angles at each corner.
When combined, "black square" simply describes a square shape that is black in color.
