States of Mind III: Those Who Stay

My name is Feely T. Heart, and I will be your guide today through one of our paintings: States of Mind III: Those Who Stay. nn Created by the Italian artist Umberto Boccioni in 1911, this dynamic and powerful piece invites us to experience the frenzy of modern life, specifically the emotions of those left behind in the whirlwind of departure. Notice how Boccioni uses bold, sweeping brushstrokes and a vibrant color palette of blues, greens, and grays to convey the energy and movement of a bustling train station. nn Look closely at the figures. They are not clearly defined but rather elongated and fragmented, almost merging with the swirling lines of the background. This technique, along with the tilted perspective, enhances the sensation of speed and disorientation, reflecting the emotional turmoil of farewells and the rapid pace of early 20th-century life. nn Boccioni, as a key figure in the Futurism movement, embraced technology and progress. With States of Mind III: Those Who Stay, he masterfully captures not just the physical experience of a train station but also the psychological impact of a society on the brink of change. The painting stands as a powerful reminder of the constant tension between the past and the future, between staying and leaving, and the complex emotions these experiences evoke.