Female Head, Helene 1913

Alexej von Jawlensky painted Female Head, Helene, in oil on board, though when exactly is a mystery. Look how the planes of the face are carved out with color, almost like a Cubist sculpture. I love the way Jawlensky slaps on the paint, so thick you can practically see the bristles' marks. The ochre yellows and blues of the face collide with greens and reds, pushing and pulling against each other. This isn't about representation; it’s about feeling. Take the mouth – just a slash of red, but it speaks volumes. It’s not a smile or a frown, just pure emotion, raw and unfiltered. There's a kinship here to some of Matisse's portraits, that same freedom with color and form. These artists aren't trying to capture reality, they're trying to create a new one. Art isn’t about answers; it’s about opening up possibilities.