Creation of the World VIII 1906

Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis made "Creation of the World VIII", using paint with thin washes and delicate lines. It's like watching a world come into being, not with a bang, but with a whisper. The surface shimmers, the paint almost dissolving into the canvas. There’s a kind of verticality to the marks, like rain or growth, drawing the eye upward. Notice the way the white and red blend at the bottom, creating a sense of fiery energy grounding the ethereal forms above. The use of these contrasting colours creates an emotional experience that is both calming and energizing. Ciurlionis reminds me of Hilma af Klint, another artist who explored spiritual realms through abstraction. Like Klint, Ciurlionis wasn't interested in fixed meanings, but rather in opening up a space for contemplation. It’s a testament to art's ability to embrace ambiguity and multiple interpretations.