Self-Portrait
1911
Staring back at us with piercing blue eyes and a wild green beard, this 1911 self-portrait by Alexej von Jawlensky is a masterclass in Expressionist rebellion. Instead of realistic skin tones, Jawlensky slathers his face in a vibrant patchwork of oranges, yellows, and deep reds against a striking blue background. As a key member of the avant-garde Blue Rider group, he believed colors should express inner emotions rather than just copy the outside world. The thick, energetic brushstrokes practically vibrate with intensity, showing us exactly how an artist feels when they decide to throw traditional rules out the window.
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