Composition 1954

Adolf Fleischmann made this ‘Composition’ with paint, and it’s a process of pure joy. The surface is smooth, and it looks like he might have used masking tape to get those crisp lines, or maybe he just has a really steady hand. I love the mix of the geometric shapes with the slightly off-kilter lines. It’s like he's trying to find the balance between order and chaos, control and freedom. Look at the way he's placed those blocks of color – red, yellow, blue, and black. They're like little notes in a musical composition, each one playing its part in the overall harmony. Notice the thin lines floating in the composition; they give a sense of depth to the piece, as if the other shapes were sitting on top. It reminds me a little of Mondrian, but with a more playful touch. I always appreciate art that doesn’t take itself too seriously.