Mikhail Larionov: Rayonism and Radiant Matter

摘要

The article focuses on several aspects of the theory and practice of rayonism in the work of Mikhail Larionov, which have to date remained at the periphery of art historians' interest. The bringing together of positivist science and occultism was one of the most paradoxical "avant-garde" features of fin-de-siecle culture. Like many European avant-garde artists, Larionov created the concept of rayonism based on the scientific and occult mythology of his time. The concept of painterly rayonism appeared in the context of research and practical experiments into the visualisation of invisible radiation.