By definition Chaos means, “complete disorder and confusion”. Throughout the following ten images we will see chaos depicted in an assortment of ways, representing complete disorder and confusion in not only the use of color, movement, contrasts, shapes and textures, that the pieces have, but also the chaos that history and love has created in society.
Warsaw’s burning symbol, Sylwester Braun "Kris", 1944-11-28, From the collection of: Warsaw Rising Museum
This photograph by Sylvester Braun was taken during World War II, while Poland was desperately trying to liberate the city of Warsaw from the Nazi regime. Unfortunately the précised planning from the polish government was brought to a hold when ally forces didn’t show up when expected and the German forces brought chaos down upon the city of Warsaw. This black and white image shows a number of rages between the grays and darks while maintaining the contrast necessary to depict the nature of the environment.
Under cover of barricade, Eugeniusz Lokajski, 1944-08, From the collection of: Warsaw Rising Museum
Once again in another image brought to us by World War II, we can see the chaotic nature of war. This image shows a singular soldier running thru a warzone with no noticeable cover protecting him. The contrast on this image strongly places him dead center of the action and immediately draws our eyes towards the subject allowing for movement to also be perceived.
Student Riots, Reg Lancaster, 1968-05-13, From the collection of: Getty Images
In this image of the student riots in France during the late 60’s we can see the Chaotic nature of civil unrest. The disorder that was brought forth when a government that feared the possibility of civil war clashed with the feelings and thoughts of a freethinking changing generation was explosive. This black and white image captures the highlights on the subject as the blood drips down her face. At this moment we can see that her actions and beliefs have translated into her own form of art, one she carries on her face with pride.
Jackson Pollock, Loomis Dean, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
This image of a painting by Jackson Pollock depicts chaos within beauty. While trying to show both sides of the woman, the good and the bad, he has managed to represent chaos within the beauty of the woman's face. The composition is abstract and disorganized, he shows the minimum features in order to show the face, while still maintaining his chaotic way of painting.
Jackson Pollock, Loomis Dean, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
Jackson Pollock once again represents chaos in this image of his painting. This can be a representation of how chaotic the mind can be, and all the thoughts that go through it everyday. His use of color, and the free movement of the paint remind us all of the inner workings of the human mind.
Chaos Star, Oscar San Migue, 2014 - 2014, From the collection of: Artmossphere Studio
Chaos star by Oscar San Migue shows immediate chaos not only in the shape but the use of color in the piece. Its unapproachable nature and off putting color palette immediately draws the viewer to a safe distance but at the same time maintains them engaged. It at times gives the sense that it could strike at any moment.
Night-blooming genera, Helen Marten, 2015, From the collection of: la Biennale di Venezia - Biennale Arte 2015
The combination of what might appear as random chaotic shapes were brought together to help create this sculpture titled Nigh-Blooming Genera by Helen Marten. The use of different material to create what seems to be a flowing piece with a chaotic essence to it is portrayed here by bringing them all together to fashion a continues sequence.
The Secret Garden, YOSHIKAWA Kimiya & TSAI Hsiao-Chi, 2012, From the collection of: Fubon Art Foundation
The Secret Garden by Yoshikawa Kimiya is a structural piece that confuses the eye by playing with its perspectives. At first the eye is drawn to the center of the piece where we find the larger structure, created out of a combinations of contrasting colors as well as counter directional shapes.
Boys and Girls (come out to play), Richard Deacon, 1982, From the collection of: British Council
The piece “ Boys and Girls (come out to play)” by Richard Decon is the definition of confusion. To try to understand what the meaning of this piece and its correlation with the title given to it might be the allure behind it. The unconventional shapes and color as well as the placement of them with each other is chaotic to the eye.
The Bookstore, Exterior, Red Grooms, 1978/2008, From the collection of: Hudson River Museum
In the piece The Bookstore by Red Grooms, chaos is mostly depicted thru the contrasting effects of the color displayed. The conflicting combination of colors is chaotic to the eyes, it is difficult to focus on just one aspect of the piece and at times it feels like the chaos works in blending it all into one.
Credits: All media
This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.
