Spring

Natalia Goncharova was a major figure in multiple early 20th-century Russian Modern art movements. She was a controversial, unique, and well-known person in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. She often rebelled against the societal norms of the time by wearing pants and other traditionally male clothing and appearing in public with symbols painted boldly on her body.

In addition to her paintings, Goncharova also produced sets and costumes for theatrical performances throughout Europe. In 1917, she and her husband fled Russia due to the revolution and began designing sets for the Ballet Russe in Paris. She was prolific in her production of art. The term “everythingism” was often applied to describe both the diverse range of her work and her interest in multiple styles and sources. Today her work is in great demand with museums, galleries, and private collectors around the world.

 

Click on the full image of Spring above to see a larger version of the work. Look closely at the painting and use these questions to guide your looking. Share your thoughts with your family at home, with a friend through a virtual conversation, or with us in a response to this email.  

• What do you see when you look at this painting? What does it remind you of? What do you see that makes you say that? Consider how another person might have a different idea and different reasons for their idea. 
• Make a list of the things that Goncharova did to make us “think spring” when we look at this painting. Think about the colors, textures, lines, and shapes she used. If you were going to make a work of art about spring, what details would you include to make it strongly suggest the season?
• If you can, take a walk outside to look for trees and bushes that are just starting to bud (or, if you can’t get outside, spend some time looking out a window). Take a sketchbook with you to draw what you find or take photos with your phone.

Download the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art app to take a virtual walk through the Sculpture Park today! Available for free download in your regular app store.

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