Deux Côtes 1938

Editor: Wassily Kandinsky’s "Deux Côtes," created in 1938 using oil and acrylic paint, features striking geometric shapes set against a dark background. The playful forms evoke a sense of whimsical chaos, almost like looking at constellations. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Beyond the immediate visual appeal, consider the historical context. Kandinsky painted this while living in France, after being forced to leave Germany due to Nazi persecution. Knowing that, the seemingly playful geometric forms begin to suggest something more complex – perhaps a visual language developed in response to political turmoil and displacement. How might the abstraction, the lack of easily identifiable objects, serve as a form of resistance or coded communication during this time? Editor: That’s a powerful interpretation. I hadn't thought about the possibility of coded meanings within the abstract shapes, but it makes perfect sense given the socio-political environment of the time. The geometric forms, therefore, speak not just to abstraction but to issues of forced migration. Curator: Exactly. And think about Kandinsky's involvement with the Bauhaus movement. They aimed to unify art, craft, and technology, to create functional art for a new society. Yet, this vision clashed with the rise of totalitarian regimes. In this painting, we can reflect on the role of the avant-garde artist during political change and how that intersects with social change. It becomes an emotional and intellectual response against oppressive cultural forces. Editor: That adds such a deep layer to understanding "Deux Côtes." It transforms my initial impression from a feeling of playful chaos to a powerful visual statement about a dark time in history. Thank you! Curator: And it is within that evolution of perception that we become sensitive, critical viewers. Always contextualize and be aware of power!