Composition grise, rouge et jaune 1960

Serge Poliakoff created this abstract composition using gouache, a type of opaque watercolor paint. Born in Moscow in 1900, Poliakoff’s life took him through a tumultuous journey from Russia to Paris amidst the revolutions and social upheavals of the early 20th century. His exposure to diverse artistic circles, including the Russian diaspora and the Parisian avant-garde, shaped his non-representational style. "Painting is a state of being," Poliakoff once said, reflecting his belief that art transcends mere visual representation to become a deeply felt experience. In his work, geometrical forms interplay on the surface, evoking a sense of depth and movement through contrasting shades. Poliakoff's abstraction, while seemingly detached from overt political themes, subtly challenges traditional academic art. Through it, he creates a new visual language which resonates with the fractured experiences of a world in transition.