The artwork, titled “Four (arithmetic) actions,” was created by El Lissitzky in 1928. It is executed using lithography on paper and is a representation of the Constructivism art movement, specifically within the illustration genre.
In the artwork, El Lissitzky exemplifies the principles of Constructivism through a composition dominated by geometric shapes and primary colors. The imagery is characterized by bold red and black figures engaging in various formations and activities, suggestive of mathematical operations. The piece is divided into two distinct sections, with the left portraying a series of characters interacting with numerals and the right featuring synchronized figures carrying similar shapes. The arrangement and use of text elements alongside geometric figures create a dynamic visual narrative, reflecting the period’s artistic focus on abstract and utilitarian design.
