Thursday, February 19, 2009

A Favorite Painting 9

Wassily Kandinsky, Yellow, Red & Blue 1925

To me, Kandinsky is the greatest of the first wave of abstract artists in the first half of the twentieth century. This painting is representative of the musical quality of his work, suggesting a kind of visual tone and rhythm defined by color and the implied movement of his lines. It also lends itself to a "read-what-you-want-into-it" approach, rewarding contemplation with an amazing array of ideas and impressions. This piece has a particular humanistic element too, with the sketched profile at left seemingly absorbing the effect of the other elements swirling around him/her. But even lacking such a specific visual cue, it's easy to envision people and life as central to the images he creates, since they portray a vibrant, vital imagination at play with the literal world. Definitely an exciting and rewarding work.

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