Mihail Chemiakin is a Russian painter, sculptor, and stage designer. Later in life Chemiakin would go on to work for the Hermitage Museum in which he was able to organize an exhibition in 1964. A common theme in his work is the presence of harlequins and jesters juxtaposed with bold, solid colors. Although the representation of figures are flat, the dynamic poses and various colors attract the viewer to an imaginary world filled with these figures. In contrast to using traditional designs in order to represent his figures, Chemiakin uses geometric forms that give his work an otherworldly appearance. The combination of geometric forms and solid, vibrant colors make the harlequins pop out towards the viewer against an open, uncluttered background.


Harlequins ChemiakinHarlequins. Mihail Chemiakin. Lithograph.