“The Figural Cabinet (Das figurale Kabinett),” created by Oskar Schlemmer in 1922, belongs to the Constructivism art movement and is a figurative artwork. The artist’s depiction is characterized by an interplay of geometric forms and a palpable sense of abstraction, embodying the principles of the Constructivism movement through a structured yet imaginative approach.
The artwork presents a series of stylized human-like figures and abstract shapes organized within a calculated, almost mechanical composition. The use of muted pastel colors in conjunction with bold blacks and sharp lines brings a dynamic yet harmonious contrast to the piece. The figures are fragmented into geometric components, with various textures and volumes, creating a sense of mechanical aesthetic. The central focus appears to be a larger dark shape representing a person with elongated limbs, juxtaposed against more vibrant figures and smaller, detailed elements, suggesting a complex narrative or relationship. The orderly arrangement and the precise use of lines and forms demonstrate Schlemmer’s mastery in integrating human figures within the Constructivist ideals of functionality, abstraction, and geometric purity.
