Sketch of the Male Costume for the 'Assyrian Ballet' 1919

Editor: Vadym Meller's "Sketch of the Male Costume for the 'Assyrian Ballet'" from 1919, crafted with tempera, really strikes me. It’s such a bold, almost futuristic take on historical attire, broken down into these geometric shapes. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Well, darling, it's like Meller grabbed history, threw it in a blender with some Cubism, and poured out this dazzling cocktail! He's not just sketching a costume; he's deconstructing the very idea of Assyrian masculinity. Do you see how the lines jut and intersect, creating a sense of dynamism? It's as if the dancer is about to leap right off the canvas, history books be damned. Editor: I see that dynamism, yes! But I’m curious about the color choices—the yellows and blues specifically. What might they signify in the context of the ballet itself? Curator: Ah, colour! My favourite topic! It's all intuitive, really. Picture the stage bathed in light, those vibrant colours amplifying the movements, creating an almost otherworldly presence. The colours might hint at the ballet's narrative, but they’re primarily emotive, don't you think? A shiver of ancient mystery brought to life in a shockingly modern way. Editor: It’s amazing how Meller managed to blend ancient and modern so seamlessly. Thanks for shedding light on this piece. Curator: My pleasure! Art should be a bit like that, shouldn't it? A delightful collision of eras and ideas that leaves you pondering the possibilities.