The artwork titled “States of Mind (Study): Those Who Stay” is a creation by the Italian artist Umberto Boccioni, which he developed in Milan, Italy, back in 1911. This work is an emblematic expression of the Futurism art movement, and it is particularly characterized as a sketch and study piece, in which the artist explores the representations of psychological and physical dynamics experienced in modern life.
In examining the artwork, one can perceive a multitude of figures seemingly caught in a state of transition and movement, their forms somewhat abstracted and overlapping. The use of linear dynamism and swirling shapes conveys a sense of urgency and fluidity, suggesting a blurring of individual identities amidst the hustle of contemporary existence. The application of colors is executed in a manner that emphasizes the sketch-like quality of the study, with green hues dominating the canvas. The brushstrokes are swift and gestural, contributing to an overall impression of operational and emotional turbulence. Boccioni’s piece is demonstrative of the central precepts of Futurism, which celebrated technological progress, speed, and a break from the traditional artistic conventions of the past.
