Federico Kromka (1890-1942) - Abstract Composition, Circa 1920

Federico Kromka (1890-1942)
Abstract composition, circa 1920
Pencil on paper
Signed lower left
Dimensions of the work: 11 x 9 cm
Dimensions of the original frame: 24 x 22.5 cm

Artist of Czech origin born in 1890, Federico Kromka is active in Paris in the years 1920-30. Arrested then deported during the Second World War, he died in Auschwitz in 1942. Few elements relating to his life have survived to date.

Many Czech artists were present in Paris during the interwar period. They confront the work of the international avant-garde in a permanent emulation report. Among them, the painter Frantisek Kupka (1871-1957), one of the pioneers of geometric abstraction appeared in the 1910s, operates a real stylistic break by moving towards non-figurative art. Geometric shapes and colors arranged in tints then constitute a new formal language with universal vocation. The subject disappears and gives way to simple single-color bands.

Sensitive to the theories developed in his time and strongly influenced by synthetic cubism, Federico Kromka first produced works halfway between figuration and abstraction. He introduces three-dimensional elements of pure geometric shapes to the surface of the canvas, which unite with the composition thanks to a subtle play of flat colors (cf. Blue construction, 1919, oil and assembly on panel, private collection). Federico Kromka later uses these same geometric forms in surrealist compositions.

In our graphite pencil drawing, circles and triangles intersect and detach from the flat surface thanks to a play of shadows. It could be a preparatory work for a painted composition integrating reliefs through assembled objects.