Mixmed media on paper, framed. Featuring an abstract expressionist composition with two figures. Signed and attr. Alexander Rodchenko (Russian, 1891-1956) on the lower right corner. 22 x 15 cm, 33 x 27.5 cm. Alexander Rodchenko was a founding member of Russian Constructivism the avant-garde movement characterized by unembellished abstraction - along with Vladimir Tatlin. He was known for his politically motivated photography, posters, paintings, and sculpture. “The avant-garde of Communist culture is obligated to show how and what needs to be photographed,†he said of the medium. “What to shoot - is something every photo group knows but how to shoot - only a few know.â€Born on November 23, 1891 in St. Petersburg, Russia, he studied drawing and painting at the Kazan School of Fine Arts and architecture at the Stroganov School of Applied Art. An early influence came from Kazimir Malevich, whose Suprematist style contributed to Rodchenko’s adoption of an austere aesthetic and use of materials. In the late 1920s, he joined the October group, with members Diego Rivera, Gustav Klutsis, and Sergei Eisenstein, furthering his commitment to creating art for the working classes. Rodchenko died on December 3, 1956 in Moscow, Soviet Union. Today, his works are held in the collections of The Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Museum Ludwig in Cologne, and the Art Institute of Chicago, among others. PROVENANCE: Southern Ontario estate

All authorship of items in this catalog are described according to the following terms:

By [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work is by the artist.

Attributed to [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work may be ascribed to the artist on the basis of style, but there may be some question as to actual authorship.

In the manner of [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work was executed by an unknown hand, but was designed deliberately to emulate the style of the artist.

After [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work was executed by an unknown hand, but is a deliberate copy of a known work by the artist.

Circle of [Artist Name] : In our opinion, a work of the period of the artist showing his influence, closely associated with the artist but not necessarily his pupil.

Follower of [Artist Name]: In our opinion, a work by a pupil or a follower of the artist (not necessarily a pupil).

American, 19th century : In our opinion, this work was executed by an unknown hand, and can only be identified by origin (i.e., region, period).

Bears signature : In our opinion, the signature on the artwork may be spurious.
Apocryphal : Of doubtful authenticity.