City 1913

Aleksandra Ekster created this vibrant composition of "City" with oil on canvas. At first glance, one is struck by the dynamic interplay of geometric forms and vivid colors. Angular shapes in red, blue, and white dominate, interspersed with softer, organic forms in green and ochre. This contrast sets up a visual rhythm that mimics the chaotic energy of urban life. Ekster’s use of fractured planes disrupts traditional perspective, reflecting the influence of Cubism and Futurism. These movements sought to capture the dynamism of modern experience by breaking down and reassembling visual reality. The stark lines and bold colors may also be seen as a semiotic system, conveying the city as a site of constant change and fragmented experience. Notice how Ekster balances abstract forms with recognizable architectural elements, such as windows and rooftops. This interplay invites viewers to consider how the modern city challenges fixed meanings, becoming a space of endless interpretation.