Head Of A Woman, Femina 1922

Alexej von Jawlensky made this painting, ‘Head of a Woman, Femina’, with oil paint applied in short, choppy strokes. It’s all about the process; you can see how the image is built up, layer by layer, a real dance of intuition. The materiality of this piece is striking; the paint isn't trying to hide itself. It's thick in places, especially around the eyes, and that texture gives the face a kind of raw, emotional presence. The colors are unexpected – touches of yellow, blue, and pink that create a sense of depth, a play of light and shadow that defies naturalism. Look at that vertical stroke above the nose – it's like a beacon, pulling the whole composition upwards. Jawlensky’s work reminds me a little of Marsden Hartley, another artist who wasn't afraid to push color and form to their emotional limits. It’s a dialogue across time, a reminder that art is always a conversation, never a definitive statement.