Frantisek Kupka: Aficionado of Energy

A few weeks ago, I introduced to you the world of the Cone Sisters. I find it so intriguing to learn about people who love and collect art. Today, let's take a look at one of my favorite artists - the Czech painter Frantisek Kupka - who was a collector's dream and who has his work on display in galleries and museums around the world.

Kupka (1871 - 1957) worked during an exciting time in the art world. He started his education in the Czech Republic but then moved to Germany and ended up living in France. Paris and its environs became the center of his creative activities. He met many of his famous contemporaries: Marcel Duchamp, Robert Delaunay, Fernand Léger, and Francis Picabia.

Take a look below of some of Kupka's paintings. Aren't they full of energy? He was one of the first artists, at the beginning of the 20th century, to experiment with various art styles and ultimately to transition to abstract art. Art experts often talk the connection between his paintings and music; there is a musical element to how Kupka uses color and geometric shapes. 

And while I love Kupka's abstract work, I also admire his ability to incorporate the human shape. The examples showcase his understanding of energy generated by color combinations - the energy well translates the person painted in the work. What do you think of the painting of Kupka's wife ("Madame Kupka among Verticals") in the middle below? Can you get a sense of who she was from his interpretation and from the colors he choose for this work? 

Art is such a magical work to me. I love learning about artists and their collectors - lives of these people reveal a lot about their times and our culture. Frantisek Kupka's life and work are well-worth investigating - his contributions to the art world are admired by many.