Serge PoliakoffDiptyque rouge
1958
Oil on canvas
Signed lower right on the two canvas
31.89 x 25.59 in ( 81 x 65 cm )ZoomInquiry - Diptyque rouge, 1958
Provenance
Collection Privé, Locarno
Literature
1993, Françoise Brütsch, Serge Poliakoff, Neuchâtel, Ides et Calendes, ill. coul. p. 100 et 101
ARCHIVES : 957108 et 957108bis
Exhibited
1960, Bern, Kunschale, "Serge Poliakof", 9/04 au 15/05, n° 89 du cat. 1963, Hanover, Kestner-Gesellschaft, "Serge Poliakoff", 12/06 au 24107、1 38 dll cat.
1963, Bremen, Kunstverein,
"Serge Poliakoff", 1/09 au 6/10, n° 38 du cat.
1963, Dortmund, Museum am Ostwall, "Serge Poliakoff", "Serge PoliakoffTM, 2/11 au 1/12, n° 38 du cat.
1963, Lübeck, Overbeck Gesellschaft, "Serge Poliakoff", 8/12 au
5/01/1964, n° 38 du cat.
1964, Stuttgart, Würtembergischer Kunstverein, "Serge Poliakoff", 31/01 au 1/03, n° 38 du cat.
1964, Trier, Stadtisches Museum, "Serge Poliakoff", 25/04 au 31/05,
n° 38 du cat.
1964, Bonn, Haus der Städtischen-Kunstsammlungen, "Serge Poliakoff",
17/03 au 19/04, n° 38 du cat.
Artwork's description
Diptyque Rouge, created by Serge Poliakoff in 1958, is an oil on canvas that perfectly captures the essence of his unique style. It is one of 29 diptychs created by the artist between 1954 and 1965, a period marked by artistic maturity when Poliakoff honed his approach to geometric abstraction. A master of geometric abstraction, Poliakoff captivates the viewer with the finesse and complexity of his geometric interlacing, explored here only through different shades of red.
In this work, Poliakoff superimposes and interweaves geometric shapes with exceptional mastery, creating a fascinating visual dynamic. Each shade of red, from the lightest to the darkest, blends harmoniously with the others, contributing to a subtle, vibrant overall balance. The red hues are not simply juxtaposed; they interact with each other, forming a complex interplay of light and shadow that adds depth to the composition.
Artist's biography
Serge Poliakoff, a major figure in 20th-century abstract art, was born on January 8, 1906, in Moscow, Russia.
His artistic journey, marked by intense exploration of forms and colors, led him to become one of the iconic figures of the School of Paris.
Poliakoff grew up in a culturally vibrant and politically charged Russia. Coming from a family of musicians, he initially trained in music but later turned to painting in his adult years. In 1923, he moved to Constantinople and then settled in Paris in 1929, where he began his artistic career. Early influences on Poliakoff included Cubism and Fauvism, but it was through abstraction that he found his true voice.
During the 1940s, Poliakoff formed friendships with artists such as Wassily Kandinsky and Otto Freundlich, expanding his artistic horizon towards geometric abstraction. His works from this period are characterized by balanced compositions of simple forms and vibrant colors. A notable example is "Composition abstraite" (1942), where blocks of primary and secondary colors intertwine in dynamic visual harmony.
In the 1950s, Poliakoff refined his style, adopting a subtler color palette and exploring more nuanced textures. His works from this era, such as "Composition bleue et rouge" (1952), reveal increased emotional depth and technical sophistication. Geometric forms became more organic, sometimes evoking imaginary landscapes or mysterious architectures.
One of Poliakoff's significant contributions to abstract art lies in his ability to merge the intellectual with the sensory. Each painting becomes a unique visual and emotional experience, where colors and forms interact to create compositions that transcend the boundaries of the figurative. "Composition abstraite" (1958) illustrates this evolution with its subtle shades of gray and blue, creating a meditative and contemplative atmosphere.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Poliakoff continued to explore new artistic avenues. His works became more experimental, occasionally incorporating elements of collage and mixed media. "Sans titre" (1972) is an example from this later period where the artist played with contrasts and textures to express renewed conceptual depth.
Alongside his artistic career, Poliakoff was recognized for his contribution to the Parisian cultural scene. He participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions across Europe, expanding the influence of his work. His presence in major institutions such as the Galerie Denise René in Paris and the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam solidified his reputation as an innovative and indispensable artist of his time.
Serge Poliakoff passed away on October 12, 1969, in Paris, leaving behind a rich and varied artistic legacy that continues to inspire and captivate art enthusiasts worldwide. His works are found in many public and private collections, bearing witness to his undeniable place in the history of modern art.