Collage No 2 

Here we see Olexandr Archipenko’s "Collage No 2," a drawing that presents an intriguing interplay of geometric forms against a muted background. The composition immediately strikes us with its arrangement of stark white shapes, carefully shadowed to suggest depth and volume. These shapes—triangles, polygons, and ovals—are not merely decorative; they serve as a semiotic language, hinting at the human figure. Archipenko plays with positive and negative space, challenging our perception and destabilizing traditional representation. The drawing reflects the artist's exploration of Cubism and his interest in reducing forms to their essential geometric components. What's fascinating is how the artist uses these shapes to suggest movement and volume, all while maintaining a sense of flatness. The addition of blue lines further complicates the space, creating a dynamic tension. This artwork invites us to question fixed perspectives, encouraging us to engage actively with the visual language of form and space.