Static-Dynamic Gradation 1923

Paul Klee here arranges painted squares, invoking a visual labyrinth that leads the eye through varied tones. This grid-like composition reminds us of ancient Roman city plans, or perhaps even the structure of a medieval illuminated manuscript, where order seeks to contain the chaos of the world. The central column is a particularly striking juxtaposition, echoing the 'axis mundi,' the world's axis, that links the earthly and divine realms. This axis appears in various forms across cultures, from the Tree of Life to the Christian Cross. Here, the white squares might evoke purity and spiritual awakening. Such symbols are not static; they evolve. The grid, for instance, can represent both order and imprisonment. Klee, through his intuitive arrangement, touches upon our collective memory, stirring emotions tied to control and freedom. This image, charged with the static and dynamic, resonates deeply because it taps into our subconscious struggles with structure and spontaneity.