Creation of the World 

Fernand Léger conceived this boldly colored gouache and ink drawing, Creation of the World, using geometric forms in 1924. The composition reveals Léger’s interest in the power of pure form and the dynamism of modern life. Notice the interplay of the black, white and earth-tone hues that articulate a human-like figure, constructed from simple, stylized components. A circle intersects with hard-edged rectangles and cylinders that imply a sense of a body but stop short of naturalistic representation. Léger’s engagement with machinery and urban environments reflects his conviction that art should capture the energy of the industrial age. The figure, perhaps, is a mechanical man, a theme that interested many artists at this time. Yet, its primitive features also echo the visual language of tribal art. This fusion disrupts conventional categories of beauty and representation, challenging viewers to consider the relationship between humans and machines in a rapidly changing world. Through this visual abstraction, Léger hints at a deeper structure, suggesting that modernity and machinery could reshape human identity and artistic expression. This artistic choice emphasizes the idea that art is not a static reflection but a dynamic and evolving field.