Composition “Vorticism”

Mediums: gouache, chalk, paper.
Location: The Tate Modern Gallery, London (the UK).

Initially, this work, as conceived by the author, had a frame of darkened silver paper, which enhanced the mechanistic effect. The harsh, angular forms of the composition look like staggering architectural constructions. The general sense of movement is achieved through the use of vertiginous diagonal lines that embody the Vorticist style of Lewis. However, despite the clear feeling of instability and even danger, the picture has a sense of order and strength. The painting, initially owned by the innovator’s friend and artist H. Saunders, was donated by her sister to the Tate Gallery in 1969.