Pavel Filonov was an artist investigator, one of the classic artists of the Russian avant-garde. He developed his own theory of ‘analytical art.’

The city is the most direct and real space in the world created by the artist.

The theme of the city in Filonov’s compositions seems like a theme of urban suffering; the characters in his canvases are inhabitants of urban slums and working neighbourhoods, destitute and harsh.

In Rebirth of a Man, the theme of the degradation – rebirth – of a person due to the influence of the dreadful city that aggressively tramples him can be seen with the utmost clarity and ruthlessness.