shterenberg still life with picture on wall c1925 Shterenberg

The composition presents a fragmented and layered visual experience, assembled from disparate elements that resist easy categorization. A dominant verticality is established by a series of parallel yellow stripes, their unevenness suggesting a deliberate rejection of formal precision. These stripes serve as a backdrop against which other components are positioned, creating a sense of depth despite the overall flatness of the piece.
A photographic print occupies the upper right quadrant. It depicts a seated figure, seemingly within an interior space framed by architectural elements. The subject’s posture and gaze appear introspective, contributing to a feeling of detachment or observation rather than direct engagement with the viewer. This photograph is not integrated seamlessly; its edges are visible, reinforcing the sense of collage and artificial construction.
Below the photographic print, a patterned surface dominates the lower portion of the work. The pattern consists of repeated square motifs arranged in an irregular grid. A circular form, reminiscent of a plate or shallow bowl, rests upon this patterned field. Within the circle sits a lit cigarette, its smoke curling upwards, adding a dynamic element to the otherwise static arrangement.
The color palette is restricted primarily to variations of yellow and orange, lending a warm but somewhat muted tone to the entire piece. The use of these colors, combined with the fragmented nature of the composition, evokes a sense of nostalgia or perhaps a commentary on mass-produced imagery and consumer culture. The juxtaposition of the photographic portrait with the mundane objects – the cigarette and patterned surface – suggests an exploration of everyday life and its representation within a constructed visual field. There’s a deliberate awkwardness in the arrangement; elements dont quite align, creating tension and prompting questions about their relationship to one another. This lack of conventional harmony contributes to a feeling of alienation or disquiet, hinting at a critique of established artistic norms and societal expectations.