“Thèmes Ubu Parurge et Alma Rio,” created by Le Corbusier in 1960, is a work emblematic of the Cubism movement and belongs to the figurative art genre. The artwork exemplifies Le Corbusier’s innovative approach, blending figurative elements with abstract shapes and forms.
The artwork features a complex composition that integrates both abstract and representational imagery. On the left, a newspaper collage forms a silhouette of a human figure, stylized and schematically depicted. The central section of the artwork is dominated by the representation of a door, dividing the canvas into two distinct realms. On the right side, a large, abstract shape overlays more newspaper clippings, combining geometric forms with motifs suggestive of a face. The color palette is subdued, with shades of beige, cream, muted reds, and blacks, allowing the textures and shapes to take precedence. The overall effect is a thought-provoking interplay between form, space, and media, characteristic of Cubist explorations and Le Corbusier’s architectural sensibilities.