jawlensky he and she 1912 Alexej Jawlensky (1864-1941)

The composition presents two figures, positioned in close proximity yet maintaining a distinct separation. The foremost figure dominates the foreground, rendered with a palpable sense of immediacy and directness. Its gaze is fixed forward, conveying a feeling of introspection or perhaps quiet determination. A vibrant yellow flower adorns its headwear, introducing a touch of naturalism amidst the otherwise abstract treatment. The face itself is constructed from blocks of intense color – crimson, emerald, and magenta – applied with visible brushstrokes that contribute to a textured surface.
Behind this central figure, another individual appears slightly recessed within the pictorial space. This second person’s expression seems more subdued, their eyes conveying a sense of melancholy or perhaps distant observation. The artist employed a similar chromatic strategy for this figure, but with a palette leaning towards reds and blues, creating a visual distinction from the foreground subject.
The background is not depicted as a realistic setting; instead, it functions as an energetic field of color – predominantly blue and green – that vibrates behind the figures. This backdrop does not offer spatial cues, contributing to a flattened perspective characteristic of Expressionist aesthetics. The absence of traditional depth reinforces the focus on the emotional intensity conveyed through the faces.
The work suggests a contemplation on human connection and individuality. While the two figures are positioned near one another, their expressions and color palettes imply an internal distance. The flower on the foreground figure’s head could be interpreted as a symbol of vitality or hope, contrasting with the more somber tone of the background individual. Overall, the painting explores themes of identity, introspection, and the complexities of interpersonal relationships through a bold use of color and simplified forms.