Composition, cubisme ornemental 1922

Editor: So this is Serge Charchoune's "Composition, Cubisme Ornemental" from 1922, painted in oil. The way the shapes break apart and then come back together, it's fascinating. What do you make of it? Curator: The 'ornamental cubism' really stands out, doesn’t it? Note how the face is broken down. Cubism often uses fragmented forms to show many angles at once, reflecting a reality beyond simple appearance. But why "ornamental?" Editor: Well, is it that the lines feel very clean and decorative, rather than… chaotic, maybe? Curator: Precisely! Think of "ornament" not just as pretty decoration but as symbolic language. This is where the piece carries meaning. What symbols can you recognize, even in their fragmented state? Do the textures carry any clues? Editor: I see the hint of an eye, but what do the various squares and the circular shapes mean, in the context of the early 20th century, which was such a volatile time? Curator: These shapes could reflect the rapid industrialization, perhaps, but look closely—doesn't the arrangement also evoke stained glass, maybe a secular icon for the modern age? The fragmentation echoes a shattered world, yet assembled anew, suggesting a complex act of rebuilding cultural memory through symbolism. It feels optimistic, don’t you think? Editor: Yes! Seeing it as a reconstruction, as stained glass reborn, does bring a new sense of hope, contrasting with that feeling of things falling apart. Curator: Exactly! The layers of meaning are all interconnected, mirroring the complex psychology of seeing and knowing. Editor: This piece gives so much food for thought. It's made me appreciate the many layers present even within a singular piece!