Constructive Head

Abstract Head (Constructive Head) by Alexej von Jawlensky

Description: "Abstract Head (Constructive Head)" by Alexej von Jawlensky is part of the artist’s acclaimed "Abstract Heads" series, created in the 1920s and early 1930s. This painting exemplifies Jawlensky’s exploration of abstraction through the human face, which he reduced to its most essential forms. In "Constructive Head," Jawlensky employs bold, geometric shapes—such as rectangles, ovals, and lines—to represent facial features, resulting in a composition that is both structured and deeply expressive. The painting is characterized by a vibrant yet balanced color palette, with contrasting hues of red, blue, yellow, and green arranged in flat, overlapping planes. This combination of color and shape gives the work a rhythmic and harmonious quality, reflecting Jawlensky’s interest in creating a sense of spiritual presence and inner calm through abstract art.

Alexej von Jawlensky (1864–1941) was a Russian painter who became a leading figure in the German Expressionist movement. His "Abstract Heads" series marked a significant evolution in his artistic style, moving away from representational portraiture toward a more spiritual and abstract expression of the human face. Influenced by Russian iconography, Eastern spirituality, and the modernist abstraction of his contemporaries, Jawlensky sought to distill the human visage to its purest forms, imbuing each "head" with a sense of universal spiritual meaning. "Constructive Head" reflects his mature period, where he used abstraction as a tool to explore deeper emotional and metaphysical themes, aiming to create works that resonate with a timeless, contemplative quality.

Details:

• Location and Date Created: Germany, 1920s–1930s.
• Medium: Oil on board or canvas.
• Full Artwork Name: Abstract Head (Constructive Head) by Alexej von Jawlensky.
• Artwork Style: Abstract Expressionism with influences from Russian iconography and modernism.
• Subject/Topic: An abstract representation of a human head, using geometric shapes and vibrant colors to convey spiritual and emotional depth.