Description
The painting "Meditation" ("Mystischer Kopf") was created by Russian artist Alexej von Jawlensky, who was a prominent member of the German Expressionist art movement in the early 20th century. The work was painted in 1918 and is known for its distinctively abstract and spiritual style.
What is interesting about "Meditation" is how Jawlensky manages to convey a sense of contemplation and meditation through the simplicity of the composition and the bold use of color. The painting presents a simplified, almost geometric face, with facial features reduced to essential shapes. The eyes are closed and the mouth is just a curved line. The color palette used is notable, with vibrant, saturated tones ranging from blue and green to red and yellow.
Jawlensky's work is often associated with the art movement known as "The Blue Horseman" (Der Blaue Reiter), a group of artists who sought to explore spirituality and the connection between art and music. "Meditation" reflects the influence of these ideas on his work, as it evokes a sense of transcendence and spiritual calm.
One of the lesser-known aspects of Alexej von Jawlensky's work "Meditation" is its relationship to the influence of non-Western art on the artist's work. Although Jawlensky is best known for his participation in European art movements such as Expressionism and "The Blue Horseman," his work also shows a deep interest in non-Western art, especially the art of Asia and Africa.
Jawlensky was particularly intrigued by African masks and the aesthetics of Eastern cultures, and these elements influenced his artistic style. In "Meditation" and other works in the "Abstract Heads" series, stylized features reminiscent of African masks can be seen, such as the simplification of the facial form and the emphasis on spiritual expression.
This non-Western influence on Jawlensky's work is an interesting and often overlooked aspect that shows how artists of the time were exploring and fusing various sources of inspiration in their search for new forms of artistic expression.
In summary, "Meditation" by Alexej von Jawlensky is an expressionist work of art that stands out for its abstract style and its ability to convey a deep sense of meditation and spirituality through the simplicity of representation and bold use of color.