States of Mind: Those Who Go is a notable Futurist oil on canvas painting, completed in 1911 by the Italian painter, sculptor and art theorist, Umberto Boccioni. The painting is part of a series of three artworks set in a train station that explores the psychological dimension of the transitory nature of modern life. Boccioni portrayed the chaotic movement and fusion of people swept away in waves as the train’s steam bellows in the sky. His paintings and sculptures capture the color and dynamism of modern life and are widely regarded as iconic examples of the Futurist movement.
The painting is now in the public domain and can be viewed at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Historical analysis of this artwork has revealed that its inspiration stems from prevailing ideas about the modernization of society, technological advancements, and the desire for progress. The painting vividly highlights all of this, from the grit and noise of the train station, to the swirling crowd of people rushing to board a train. It effectively expresses the state of mind of people caught up in the frenetic pace of modern life, anticipating a trip to a new and different place.
