The artwork titled “Clerk” by Alexander Rodchenko is a design piece made using indian ink on paper. It is associated with the Cubo-Futurism movement, which bridges the gap between the distinct styles of Cubism and Futurism.
The image depicts an abstract composition with geometric and angular shapes pieced together to resemble a figure, likely representing the titular “Clerk.” The use of neutral and earthy tones, along with blacks and whites, imparts a subdued yet structured feel to the artwork. The figure does not possess distinct facial features or detailed anatomy, but rather is a collection of forms that suggest the human figure in a professional or bureaucratic role, as the title implies. The background of the artwork is relatively plain, drawing the viewer’s attention to the starkness of the shapes and the figure they compose.
On the bottom right corner of the piece is some text, which likely includes the title and the year the work was created, showing “1920”, marking it as a product of the early Soviet period, a time of considerable artistic innovation and upheaval.
