At the Bauhaus, the triangle, circle, and square were fundamental shapes used to explore the relationships between form, color, and psychological impact. Specifically, these shapes were often paired with the primary colors (red, yellow, blue) in experiments aimed at understanding their universal correspondence. Kandinsky, in particular, associated the triangle with activity and aggression, the square with peace and calm, and the circle with the spiritual realm.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Triangle: Often linked with yellow and associated with active, aggressive feelings.
- Square: Frequently paired with red and connected to feelings of peace and calm.
- Circle: Commonly associated with blue and linked to the spiritual realm.
These associations, while not universally agreed upon, were explored at the Bauhaus through various exercises and experiments, influencing the school’s design philosophy. The shapes became visual tools for expressing the core principles of modernist design, emphasizing simplicity, clarity, and functionality.
