Composition 35 1930

Sonia Delaunay, a Ukrainian-French artist, created this composition using gouache, in a period marked by significant social and political change. As a Jewish woman who emigrated to Paris, Delaunay found herself in a male-dominated art world. Her work intersects with narratives of immigration, gender, and cultural identity. Here, vibrant and abstract shapes explode against a dark background, defying traditional representation. Delaunay’s creation embodies her personal experiences, which she expressed by saying “For me, there is no gap between my painting and my so-called ‘decorative’ work. I never considered the ‘minor arts’ to be artistically frustrating; on the contrary, it was an extension of my art.” Delaunay subverts the separation of 'high' art and design, weaving her artistic vision into the fabric of everyday life. Through the dynamic use of colour and form, she invites us to explore the emotional power of abstraction, challenging conventional artistic hierarchies and reflecting the spirit of innovation and diversity.