Serge PoliakoffComposition abstraite 1962
1962
Oil on canvas
Monogrammed in the lower right: 'SP' and signed on the back: 'Serge Poliakoff'
18.9 x 11.02 in ( 48 x 28 cm )

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Inquiry - Composition abstraite 1962, 1962

Oil on canvas

Monogrammed in the lower right: 'SP' and signed on the back: 'Serge Poliakoff'

18.9 x 11 in.

Serge Poliakoff, a major figure in lyrical abstraction, established himself as a master of

color and composition, where apparent simplicity conceals an intense formal and

spiritual exploration. Composition Abstraite(1962) is a perfect example of this.

Dominated by red and black tones, this work embodies both energy and depth. The

vibrant, powerful red captures an organic vitality, while the black imposes a meditative

density. The balance between these two colors thus enhances the dynamic tension that

structures the entire composition.

Remaining true to his visual language, Serge Poliakoff arranges the forms in a way that

creates an impression of interpenetration and unstable balance. The color areas, without

rigid outlines, seem to vibrate, evoking a silent yet intense dialogue between the colored

masses.

The slightly textured paint surface reflects his methodical, meditative work. Indeed,

Poliakoff applied the paint in successive layers, creating a subtle play of transparencies

and opacities that enriches the surface of his canvases.

Created in 1962, this work belongs to the mature period of Poliakoff's career. Active in

Paris after World War II, he became an essential figure in lyrical abstraction, alongside

Nicolas de Staël and Hans Hartung. Influenced by music (notably Scriabin), Orthodox

iconography, and a spiritual quest, he developed a unique style based on organic forms

and chromatic harmony.

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.