Improvisation. Flood Vasily Kandinsky (1866-1944)

The canvas presents a dense and turbulent composition dominated by swirling forms and a vibrant, almost overwhelming palette. There is no discernible horizon line or spatial depth; instead, the eye is confronted with a field of overlapping shapes that seem to emanate from an unseen source. The color scheme relies heavily on blues, reds, yellows, and greens, applied in thick impasto strokes that create a palpable sense of movement and energy.
Several large, biomorphic forms are discernible within this chaotic arrangement. A prominent shape in the lower center appears vaguely organic, resembling a stylized wave or perhaps an abstracted human form submerged in water. To its right, a cluster of green and yellow shapes suggests foliage or underwater plants. Rising diagonally across the composition is a series of angular, reddish-brown lines that could be interpreted as architectural elements or simply as dynamic forces within the scene.
The artist’s technique contributes significantly to the overall effect. The brushwork is loose and expressive, with visible strokes that emphasize the materiality of the paint itself. This lack of precise detail and defined edges reinforces the sense of fluidity and instability. Theres a deliberate avoidance of representational accuracy; instead, the focus seems to be on conveying an emotional or psychological state through color and form.
Subtly, one detects a feeling of overwhelming power – a force that is both destructive and generative. The title Flood suggests a catastrophic event, but the vibrant colors prevent it from being entirely bleak. Rather, theres a sense of renewal implied within the chaos; a suggestion that something new might emerge from this turbulent state. The absence of human figures invites contemplation on humanity’s relationship to nature and its capacity for both resilience and vulnerability in the face of immense forces. Ultimately, the work resists easy interpretation, offering instead an immersive experience of color, form, and raw emotion.