Around the circle Vasily Kandinsky (1866-1944)

The composition presents a densely populated field of abstract forms against a dark, almost black background. The artist has eschewed representational imagery in favor of geometric and biomorphic shapes that interact within a seemingly chaotic arrangement. A dominant circular form, centrally positioned, commands immediate attention; its concentric rings are rendered in shades of red, pink, and purple, punctuated by a bright yellow center. This circle appears to be the focal point around which other elements orbit or emanate.
Several figures, vaguely humanoid but highly stylized, populate the space. These entities are constructed from flattened planes of color – blues, greens, yellows, and pinks – and possess simplified facial features that suggest emotion without resorting to realism. One figure on the left appears to be gazing towards the central circle, while another, located toward the right edge, seems to extend a gesture or appendage in its direction. These figures are not arranged in a narrative sequence; instead, they exist as independent presences within the overall design.
The artist’s use of color is particularly noteworthy. The dark background creates a sense of depth and mystery, while the vibrant hues of the forms draw the eye and contribute to an atmosphere of dynamism. Theres a deliberate contrast between cool blues and greens and warmer pinks and yellows, creating visual tension and complexity.
Scattered throughout the composition are smaller, more fragmented shapes – triangles, rectangles, and curved lines – that add texture and further disrupt any sense of spatial coherence. These elements contribute to an impression of constant movement and transformation. The overall effect is one of a vibrant, internal world – a realm of symbolic forms rather than concrete objects.
Subtly, the work suggests themes of interconnectedness and cyclical processes. The central circle implies wholeness or completion, while the surrounding figures and shapes represent individual elements that contribute to this larger unity. Theres an underlying sense of harmony despite the apparent disorder; a feeling that all these disparate forms are part of a greater, unseen order. It is not a depiction of something external but rather an exploration of internal states – perhaps emotions, thoughts, or spiritual concepts – expressed through abstract visual language.