RAYONISM IN EARLY MODERN ART – A FLEETING RAY OF LIGHT

Current research paper explores the fleeting Russian avant-garde artistic movement of the first half of the 20th century known as Rayonism (Rayism or Luchizm). Comparative formalist and conceptual analyses with its contemporary movements and predecessors (Cubo-Futurism, Orphism, Cubism, Futurism) are chosen as the main methods of research as permitting some clarity based on the objectively observable elements while remaining aware of ideological connotations. The article opens up with the introduction of the movement and then proceeds with comparative analyses infused with relevant elements of historical and ideological context highlighting evident similarities and distinct unique features of Rayonism as art and idea. The article is concluded with discussion of possible reasons for the (inevitable) decline of the movement (trauma of the main artists, lack of provocative edge) as well as its conceptual weaknesses (lack of genuine innovation). Its role in the greater context of the artistic world evolution is attributed to the reconceptualization of the role of artist as scientist and providing a shift from objective representation towards pure abstraction.