Liturgy - sketch of a costume 1914

Natalia Goncharova’s costume sketch, “Liturgy,” is a vibrant design on paper where paint seems to be the primary medium. It’s all about the way she laid down the colors, right? Look at how the blue drapes contrast with the patterned panel of the robe. It's like the painting’s alive with this tension between geometric form and flowing line. There is something about the way the colors merge together and push apart that reminds you that painting is a process. And speaking of alive, peep the texture in those drapes. Goncharova uses layers of thin paint, almost watercolor-like, allowing the brushstrokes to build up a sense of depth and movement. The paint application feels intuitive. I am reminded of Sonia Delaunay and her use of colour to activate form. Art's an ongoing conversation across time, right? It’s not about answers but about expanding how we see.