Seagulls (sketch for the frieze) Roerich N.K. (Part 1)

The composition presents a horizontal arrangement of avian figures against a fragmented backdrop. Here we observe several birds, seemingly seagulls, depicted in a stylized and abstracted manner. Their forms are rendered with angular lines and simplified shapes, suggesting movement and dynamism. The artist has employed a limited palette dominated by earthy tones – ochres, browns, and muted blues – with touches of grey to define the plumage.
The background is equally fragmented, constructed from geometric blocks that disrupt any sense of spatial depth or naturalistic perspective. These blocks appear almost like shards of glass or pieces of a mosaic, creating a fractured visual field. The birds are integrated into this structure; they do not stand out as distinct entities but rather seem to emerge from and be absorbed by the surrounding geometry.
The overall effect is one of controlled chaos. While the subject matter evokes natural imagery – the flight of seagulls – the execution denies any illusionistic representation. This suggests a focus on formal elements – line, shape, color – over mimetic accuracy. The sketch-like quality, evident in the visible lines and unfinished appearance, reinforces this sense of an exploratory study, likely intended as a preliminary design for a larger work, perhaps a frieze.
Subtextually, the fractured background could be interpreted as representing disruption or fragmentation – perhaps alluding to societal upheaval or the instability of modern life. The birds themselves, symbols of freedom and flight, are paradoxically constrained within this fragmented space, suggesting a tension between aspiration and limitation. Their stylized forms might also imply a loss of individuality in a rapidly changing world. The work’s unfinished quality invites contemplation on the process of creation itself – the evolution of an idea from initial sketch to finished product.