Abstracte compositie 1919

Erich Wichmann created this abstract composition in 1919 using an unknown material. Observe the striking contrast between the solid black and jagged white shapes in the central rectangle. They evoke a sense of conflict, perhaps even torment. Around this central scene, ghostly figures emerge from a background of chaotic lines. These figures, though vague, resemble depictions of ecstatic dancers found in ancient rituals. The recurring motif of frenzied movement appears throughout history. Think of the Bacchantes in classical art, consumed by Dionysian frenzy, or the wild dances in medieval depictions of the Dance of Death. This theme reflects a deep-seated human fascination with states of altered consciousness, the loss of control, and the blurring of boundaries between the self and the collective. The raw energy emanating from Wichmann’s composition touches on collective memory and subconscious processes. It has the power to evoke emotions and sensations that resonate with our deepest fears and desires. This image is a testament to how certain motifs reappear, evolve, and take on new meanings across different historical contexts.