Self-portrait 1925

Here we have a self-portrait by Pavel Filonov, made with ink on paper. The stark black ink creates sharp, defined lines, it’s like he’s dissecting his own image. Look at the marks around his head and face; they almost vibrate with energy. You can really feel his commitment to the process. The texture is smooth, but the lines themselves are full of life. His face, rendered in profile, is like a map of his inner world. His focused expression, as he stares at the paper, is mesmerizing. Filonov's hand, holding the brush, seems to channel energy directly onto the page. The lines almost feel like a nervous system, capturing the tension between the artist and his subject. Filonov’s style reminds me of the German Expressionists. It’s all about pushing the boundaries. It’s a reminder that art is never really finished, just abandoned.