Created in 1930 by artist Paul Klee, the artwork “Siblings” is a portrait executed using oil on canvas. The piece is characteristic of the Surrealism art movement, which seeks to unlock the creative potential of the unconscious mind by juxtaposing irrational imagery in a seemingly ordinary context.
The artwork depicts an abstract composition with interlocking shapes and lines suggestive of human forms, quite possibly representing the siblings as the title suggests. The forms are not clearly defined, as is typical of Klee’s surrealist style, which often challenged conventional perceptions of reality. The central figure of the composition appears to be constructed of a series of organically curved shapes, with elements such as dots for eyes, lending a semblance of faces within the entangled forms. There is a simplicity to the figures, with a colour scheme that appears muted yet warm, predominantly focusing on earthy tones with a touch of brighter colors like the solitary red heart, which adds a focal point and emotional depth to the piece. The background is a wash of yellow, giving the impression that the figures are set against a vague, non-descript environment, further emphasizing their abstract nature. Overall, “Siblings” exhibits Klee’s exploration of form, colour, and the unconscious influences that define the surrealist movement.
