city 1913 Exter

The composition presents a fractured urban landscape rendered through a fragmented and abstract visual language. Here we observe a dense accumulation of geometric forms – predominantly cubes, rectangles, and rounded shapes – that appear to represent buildings or architectural elements. These forms are not arranged in a conventional perspective; instead, they interlock and overlap, creating a sense of spatial ambiguity and disorientation.
A palette of muted colors – grays, whites, blues – is punctuated by flashes of red, orange, and pink. The application of color is equally fractured, with hues appearing as isolated planes rather than contributing to the modeling or shading of forms. This reinforces the overall impression of disintegration and a breakdown of traditional pictorial space.
The artist’s approach suggests an attempt to depict not just the physical appearance of the city but also its underlying structure and energy. The sharp angles and intersecting lines convey a feeling of dynamism, perhaps reflecting the rapid industrialization and modernization occurring during the early twentieth century. The lack of clear focal points or a discernible narrative encourages viewers to engage with the work on a purely formal level, focusing on the interplay of shapes, colors, and textures.
Subtly, there’s an underlying tension present. While the composition is visually complex, it also feels somewhat chaotic. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the alienation and fragmentation experienced within modern urban environments – a sense of being lost or overwhelmed by the sheer scale and complexity of city life. The absence of human figures further emphasizes this feeling of detachment and anonymity. Ultimately, the work seems to explore the relationship between perception, representation, and the experience of modernity itself.