The Arrow by Wassily Kandinsky, 1943

The Arrow (1943) by Wassily Kandinsky invites you into the late, mature phase of the Russian-born pioneer of abstract art—a period when he orchestrated color, line, and form like instruments in a symphony. Painted during the turbulent 1940s, this composition dispenses with literal subject matter to conjure sensation: direction, energy, and rhythm. A deep blue ground anchors the work, while assertive reds, inky blacks, and flashes of yellow cut across the surface in geometric and organic interplay, suggesting both motion and inner tension.

This fine art print is meticulously produced by The Unique Maps Co. on your choice of acid-free archival paper or artist’s cotton canvas using museum-grade pigment inks. Multiple sizes are available, from intimate studies to statement pieces, with professional framing options to suit modern, eclectic, or minimalist interiors. We also offer thoughtful personalization and customization—such as tailored sizing and curated framing—so your print arrives ready to hang and perfectly tuned to your space.

Kandinsky, a seminal figure in 20th-century art and a key voice in the rise of nonrepresentational painting, devoted his career to exploring how color and form could evoke the spiritual and the musical. By the 1940s, after years of teaching and experimentation in Europe, he had honed a language of crisp lines, floating forms, and carefully balanced contrasts. The Arrow epitomizes that clarity and confidence: it feels composed, intentional, and resonant, as if guided by an inner cadence.

The subject here is not an object but a sensation—trajectory. Against the nocturne-like field of blue, slender vectors, arcs, and glyph-like shapes seem to push forward, collide, and reassemble. The result is an elegant tension between order and spontaneity: a choreography of lines and planes that hints at narrative without describing it. Created in 1943, the piece reflects the period’s anxieties and aspirations while remaining timeless in its visual music.

Color is central to its appeal. The dominant ultramarine behaves like a stage, with bold reds and crisp blacks striking sharp, rhythmic accents. Bright notes of yellow punctuate the composition, amplifying contrast and depth. The mix of hard-edged geometry and softer, biomorphic touches creates a visual conversation—measured yet lively—that rewards close viewing. This is an artwork you can live with: graphic enough to command attention, nuanced enough to reveal new relationships between color and form over time.

Elegant and enduring, this print makes a sophisticated gift for modern art lovers and design-minded friends and family. It’s perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, housewarmings, or the holidays—Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day—and for anyone who finds inspiration in bold color, clean lines, and the expressive freedom of abstraction.

If you're not sure what size to order, or you're looking for a custom order of some kind – a different size, a different colour, a special frame – then please contact me. I usually respond within a few minutes.

You can see an example of my fine art personalisation service in the fifth image. Zoom in and take a look. My personalised artwork is always very well received. Take a look at more examples of personalisation.

You can also choose to age your art print to make it look older. This is popular amongst my customers who want their artwork to look like an older, antique print. You can see an example of ageing in the sixth product image, or go ahead and check out lots of examples of other aged artwork.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this art print.

I can print and frame this beautiful piece of art at sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). If you are looking for a size or framing option that isn't available online, please get in touch.

This artwork is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. My standard frames come in six colours (black, dark brown, dark grey, antique gold, oak and white), and custom framing is available for an additional charge. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.