#15138 Pavel Filonov (1883-1941)

The composition presents a fragmented scene centered around what appears to be a still life arrangement interwoven with figures. The artist has employed a Cubist approach, breaking down forms into geometric planes and presenting multiple perspectives simultaneously. This fracturing of reality creates a sense of disorientation and challenges conventional notions of spatial representation.
Here we see three figures positioned closely together, their faces rendered with an unsettling stillness and simplified features. One figure, seemingly male based on facial hair, holds aloft a vessel containing liquid, the gesture ambiguous – is it offering, presenting, or simply holding? The central female figure’s expression is particularly striking; her eyes are wide and vacant, conveying a sense of detachment or perhaps profound sorrow. A third figure, positioned to the right, raises its hands in what could be interpreted as either supplication or distress.
The still life elements – vases, flowers (including roses), and other vessels – are integrated into the scene with equal fragmentation. The floral arrangement is not depicted realistically but rather as a collection of angular shapes and colors. The color palette is dominated by muted tones of brown, blue, white, and touches of orange and red, contributing to an overall somber mood.
The subtexts within this painting are complex and open to interpretation. The grouping of figures suggests a narrative or shared experience, yet the lack of interaction and emotional expression creates a sense of isolation and alienation. The fragmented forms could symbolize a breakdown in communication or a loss of connection between individuals. The still life elements, typically associated with domesticity and tranquility, are rendered unsettling through their deconstruction, hinting at a disruption of everyday life.
The painting’s overall effect is one of psychological tension and emotional restraint. It evokes a sense of unease and invites contemplation on themes of human relationships, loss, and the fragility of existence. The artists deliberate distortion of form and perspective serves to amplify these underlying anxieties, creating a powerful and unsettling visual experience.