1912

Abstract Speed

Italian, 1871 - 1958

Balla belonged to the Furturist movement in Italy during the second decade of the twentieth century. The Futurists advocated reform of all aspects of human endeavor--art and architecture, furniture, clothing, and design, even customs and language--through technology and a commitment to the potential achievements of the new machine age. This drawing shows Balla's obsession with dynamism and velocity, which he expressed through abstract forms.