construction 1920 Popova

The composition presents a dynamic arrangement of geometric forms dominating the visual field. A predominantly dark background – a deep charcoal gray – serves as a foil for sharply contrasting planes and angles. These shapes are rendered in a limited palette: red, blue, white, and varying shades of black and gray.
Here we see a crescent shape positioned in the upper left quadrant; its pale luminosity provides a visual anchor against the surrounding darkness. The artist placed several triangular forms throughout the canvas, some intersecting directly, others appearing as fragmented suggestions. A large, saturated red triangle occupies the central area, bisected by a white plane that creates an illusion of depth and movement. Below this, a deep blue form echoes the angularity of the composition, its color adding to the overall sense of tension.
The application of paint appears deliberate, with visible brushstrokes contributing to the textural complexity. The edges of the shapes are not always clearly defined; instead, they seem to dissolve into one another, creating an ambiguous spatial relationship between them. This lack of definitive boundaries contributes to a feeling of instability and fragmentation.
Subtexts within this work suggest a preoccupation with structure and disruption. The geometric forms imply order and rationality, yet their arrangement defies conventional perspective and spatial logic. The interplay of color – the boldness of the red against the coolness of the blue – hints at opposing forces or emotional states in conflict. The crescent shape, seemingly detached from the rest of the composition, could be interpreted as a symbol of hope or transcendence amidst chaos. Overall, the painting conveys a sense of dynamism and intellectual inquiry, exploring themes of abstraction, perception, and the inherent instability of form.