Martwa natura 1918

Wladyslaw Strzeminski made this painting, “Martwa natura,” working with oil on canvas. It’s all about muted tones – greys, browns, blues and a hint of ochre. I can just imagine Strzeminski in his studio, moving these shapes around, trying to find the right balance. The blue diamond feels so solid, anchoring the whole composition, while the white form seems to curve and twist, like a piece of paper caught in the wind. Strzeminski’s clearly playing with perspective here. I wonder if he was thinking about how we perceive objects in space? The rough texture of the canvas adds another layer of interest, doesn’t it? It’s like he wanted to remind us that this is a painting, not a window onto another world. And those dark lines cutting across the composition? They’re so bold, almost defiant. You know, painting is such a solitary act, but it's also part of a conversation that spans centuries. Strzeminski must have been aware of the Cubists and Constructivists who came before him. He's taking their ideas and pushing them in his own direction. That’s what I love about art – it’s all about building on the past while forging your own path.