Sheet of Studies 1910

This 'Sheet of Studies’ was made by Umberto Boccioni, probably in one of his many studio’s around Italy. I can imagine the artist with a sketchbook on his knee, rapidly drawing as his ideas flow. The pencil marks are light and fleeting, like thoughts being captured on paper. Boccioni is exploring forms, mass and figures; searching for the essence of his subject through repeated studies. These aren't finished pieces but rather the raw material of creativity, like a musician practicing scales. I'm sure the sketches allowed him to investigate ideas and motifs that would later appear in his more finished work. It reminds me of some of the abstract drawings I made when I was younger, just exploring the capabilities of marks! Each sketch is a little window into Boccioni's mind, as he grapples with the challenge of translating the world into a language of form. We are all constantly inspiring each other.