Exter's Composition

ALEXANDRA EXTER’S COMPOSITION (1914)

is one of many pieces done by Exter which stands at the center of Russia's artistic evolution. In less than two decades, she moved from an early interest in the French impressionists to work in such diverse styles as Cubism, Futurism, Supremacism, and finally the politically charged style of Constructivism. All of these styles ring through in her artwork. However her work is distinguishable through the vivid sense of color present in this piece. That and the title itself emphasizes her main points of cultural commitment are all a semblance of what add a sense of heightened emotion and uniqueness to her paintings. Although a devotee of such distinguished mentors as Picasso, Exter at the peak of her career added a substantial element of originality to the models they set for her. Her work in Cubism and other styles, for example, was distinguished by a vivid sense of color that added a heightened emotional content to many of her paintings.

The piece above, Composition (1914), was done near the beginning of her entrance and transition to constructivism. The inside lights up like the sun, fading out to darker shadows of the night on the outskirts of the image. Furthermore, we see her cubist impressions come through not only in the style but in the intent. She portrays a composition through her painting. In this way she takes the cubist style of portraying music through her work. The melody can be recognized in the contrasts of light and dark, the overlapping planes contrasting in shape and size. There are opposing textures. The piece is geometrical and experimental in nature, almost in the same way as writing a composition with it’s eb and flow of notes and rhythms. You must decide what goes where best. You can see the title taking shape in even the dynamic of the painting.