Theoretical Legacy of Oleksandr Bogomazov: The Artist’s Notes in The Portrait Problem

Abstract

The publication of Oleksandr Bohomazov’s theoretical text “On Portrait” (1915– 1916) is part of the large manuscript Thoughts About Art which was written by the artist as a continuation of the theoretical work Painting and Elements (1914). Theoretical studies were an important part of his artistic work. In his paintings and graphics, Bohomazov develops a number of his own techniques that make it possible not only to convey the dynamic states of the depicted objects, but also to create the impression of intense dynamic tension and reproduce the feeling of movement. The main emphasis in the works is on the viewer’s psychological perception of the feeling of this movement. Thus, his later theoretical explorations moved towards the visualization of the natural energy of objects, which was embodied in the new text, Thoughts About Art (1915– 1916). Using the analytical approach to painting, Oleksandr Bohomazov formulates his artistic theory as an evolution of painting elements. Since the portrait genre played a vital role in the artist’s creative practice, it is important to study the part of his theoretical texts aimed at understanding the goals and pictorial tasks that the artist is faced with during the creation of a portrait.