The artwork “States of Mind III: Those Who Stay” is an oil on canvas created by the artist Umberto Boccioni in 1911 in Milan, Italy. It is a work associated with the Futurism art movement, characterized by its abstract genre. The painting currently resides at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, NY, United States.
Upon examining the artwork, one is immediately confronted with a complex composition layered with dynamic forms and intersecting planes, suggesting movement and energy. The abstract portrayals seem to capture the essence of human figures amidst a tumultuous setting, enveloped by the rhythmic fragmentation of space. The swirling patterns and sharp geometric shapes contribute to an overall sensation of flux and intensity. The color palette is fairly muted, with variations of green and blue dominating the scene, lending the work a somewhat somber and reflective mood despite the implied action. This work, part of a series, explores the psychological dimensions of modern urban life, particularly the experience of those who remain behind amidst the rapid changes of early 20th-century society. The fragmented representation of figures and space provides an insight into the fragmented experiences of individuals within this swiftly evolving backdrop, a central theme in the Futurist movement, which celebrated technology, speed, and modernity.
