Goncharova challenged the limits of artistic, social and gender conventions, and by the age of 32 had established herself as a leader of the Russian avant-garde. Many of the artist’s early paintings are inspired by the peasant life and culture of her native Tula province in Central Russia. I like the simple geometric forms, the bold colours and the powerful compositions. There are no details to attract attention and that makes the figures look more dominant.
Peasants Picking Apples 1911, State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow. Received from the Museum of Artistic Culture 1929 © ADAGP, Paris and DACS, London 2018.
Goncharova’s artistic output was immense, wide-ranging and at times controversial. She paraded the streets of Moscow displaying futurist body art and created monumental religious paintings. She took part in avant-garde cinema, experimented with book designs and designed for fashion houses in Moscow and Paris.
Her bold and innovative body of work influenced and transcended the art movements of the 20th century. The exhibition will explore her diverse sources and inspirations, from Russian folk art and textiles to the latest trends in modernism and beyond.
Natalia Goncharova Picking Apples
Tate. (2019). Natalia Goncharova – Exhibition at Tate Modern | Tate. [online] Available at: https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/exhibition/natalia-goncharova [Accessed 2 May 2019].
Michalis Theodosiou 