Am 7 (26) - László Moholy-Nagy

This abstract painting by László Moholy-Nagy features geometric shapes and overlapping forms in a palette of black, white, grey, and orange. The composition reflects the Bauhaus principles of functionalism and the integration of technology into art.

László Moholy-Nagy (1895-1946) was a Hungarian painter and photographer as well as a professor in the Bauhaus school. He was a strong advocate of the integration of technology and industry into the arts. His work often explored the interplay of light, space, and form, reflecting the Bauhaus interest in functionalism and abstraction. Moholy-Nagy believed art should embrace new materials and techniques, moving away from traditional methods. He experimented with photography, film, sculpture, and painting, always seeking innovative ways to express his vision. 'Am 7 (26)' is an abstract composition featuring geometric shapes and overlapping forms. A large grey circle dominates the left side of the image, intersected by planes of white and darker grey. A bright orange rectangle occupies the upper portion, contrasting with the black background. Two white circles of different sizes appear to float in the composition, adding to the sense of depth and movement. The painting's colour palette is restricted to black, white, grey, and orange, creating a stark, modern aesthetic. The overlapping shapes and transparent effects create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, typical of Moholy-Nagy's exploration of visual perception.