Variation 1916 by Alexej Von Jawlensky
Variation
Alexej Von Jawlensky's Abstract Exploration in "Variation" (1916)
Among the most striking works of Alexej von Jawlensky's later period, "Variation" (1916) represents a pivotal moment in the artist's journey toward abstraction. This piece emerged during a time of profound personal and artistic transformation for Jawlensky, as he sought to distill the essence of human experience into its most fundamental visual components. The work belongs to a series of "Variations" that the artist created between 1914 and 1921, characterized by their simplified forms and intense color relationships.
The historical context of "Variation" is particularly significant. Created during World War I while Jawlensky was living in Switzerland, the work reflects both the turmoil of the era and the artist's spiritual search for inner peace. As noted by The Museum of Modern Art, this period saw Jawlensky moving away from representational art toward a more abstract language that could express universal human emotions (MoMA). The geometric composition and vibrant color blocks in "Variation" demonstrate his evolving style, which would later influence abstract expressionists.
The Evolution of Jawlensky's Expressionist Style
By 1916, Alexej von Jawlensky had undergone a remarkable artistic evolution. Beginning his career under the influence of the French Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, particularly van Gogh and Gauguin, Jawlensky gradually developed a distinctive style that would make him a key figure in German Expressionism. His participation in the Blue Rider group alongside Wassily Kandinsky and Franz Marc was particularly formative, pushing him toward greater abstraction and emotional intensity in his work.
"Variation" represents the culmination of this journey. The painting's simplified facial features and bold color planes demonstrate Jawlensky's shift from the more representational portraits of his earlier periods to a nearly abstract visual language. This transformation was not merely stylistic but philosophical, as Jawlensky sought to create art that transcended the physical world to express spiritual truths. As the artist himself stated in his notes, he aimed to "paint the soul" rather than the external appearance of his subjects.
In "Variation," Jawlensky achieves a remarkable balance between structure and spontaneity, demonstrating how geometric forms can convey deep human emotion when combined with intuitive color relationships.
The Masterful Technique Behind "Variation"
Composition and Form
"Variation" demonstrates Jawlensky's mature compositional approach, where he reduces the human face to its essential geometric components. The painting features a carefully balanced arrangement of rectangular and oval forms that create a sense of harmony despite their abstract nature. This geometric structure provides the armature for Jawlensky's expressive use of color.
Color Theory and Application
The color relationships in "Variation" reveal Jawlensky's sophisticated understanding of color theory. He employs complementary colors in carefully measured proportions to create visual vibration and depth. The warm tones of the central face contrast with cooler background hues, demonstrating his ability to use color to suggest spatial relationships without traditional perspective. His application of paint in this period became more deliberate and controlled, with clearly defined areas of flat color that enhance the work's spiritual intensity.
Own This Masterful Expressionist Composition
Bring home this exquisite framed print of Jawlensky's "Variation" (1916), presented in a premium gallery frame. Each print is carefully produced to maintain the vibrancy and depth of the original artwork, with FREE worldwide shipping included on every order.
Add to CartDisplaying "Variation" in Your Space
The rich color palette and balanced composition of "Variation" make it a versatile addition to various interior settings. This 30×40 cm (12×16") framed print works particularly well in modern and contemporary spaces where its geometric abstraction can complement clean architectural lines. Consider placing it in a study or living area where its vibrant colors can energize the space. The print's size allows it to serve as either a focal point or as part of a curated gallery wall. For optimal viewing, position the artwork at eye level where its intricate color relationships can be fully appreciated.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Further Reading
More Works by Alexej Von Jawlensky
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