“Composition (Winning Red)” is an abstract artwork by Alexander Rodchenko, created in 1918. The painting originates from Moscow, Russian Federation. This piece exemplifies the abstract genre, which Rodchenko was known to explore in his works.
In this artwork, a series of geometric shapes interact and overlap against a dark background. Dominated by a large red circular shape, which suggests the “Winning Red” from the title, it intersects with a golden-yellow crescent and is overlaid by slender shapes of grey and white, one conspicuously in the form of a triangle. The interplay of these primary and non-primary colors creates a dynamic sense of movement within the piece. The shapes seem to balance against each other, with the red and yellow giving the impression of floating or propulsion, while the darker shades may imply shadows or depth. The sense of composition displays a stark contrast between vivid and muted tones, and the deliberate arrangement of the shapes exemplifies Rodchenko’s abstract style, which often engaged with ideas of spatial relationships and the emotional power of color and form.
