Natalia Goncharova (Russian 1881-1962)
As a painter, Natalia Gontcharova was, together with her lifelong companion the artist MikhaLarionov, the founder of Rayonism, a Russian movement.
Rayonism central feature consists of dynamically interacting linear forms ultimately derived from rays of light and combined to create a two-dimensional representation of reflected light; to this end, its most powerful tools are colour and line. It presents similarities both with Kandinski's painting approach and the style of the Italian Futurists. Although short-lived, Rayonism proved to be a crucial step in the development of Russian abstract art.
work shows the influence of Matisse, Gauguin, and Cézanne whose styles she became familiar with during her time in Paris. As member of numerous art associations, Gontcharova participated in many exhibitions; her first one-woman show was in August 1913.
