One of the most influential sculptors of the 20th century, Russian-born artist Alexander Archipenko (1887–1964) was central to the emergence of Modernism. Although known primarily for his sculpture, Archipenko executed a number of drawings as well, a group of which form the centerpiece of Alexander Archipenko: The Berlin Drawings.

The exhibition features 30 of his drawings, executed in the early 1920s — shortly before Archipenko's emigration to the United States in 1923 — when he was living, working and teaching in Berlin. Also included are three of his sculptures, together with photographs, works on paper and books from other artists of that time period, all from the museum's permanent collection.

Archipenko's important drawings, which the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston recently acquired, depict the female figure in dynamic compositions that reflect the ideologies of Cubism and Futurism, as well as Art Deco fashion plates, Baroque sculpture and Russian icons.

Alexander Archipenko: The Berlin Drawings is organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The curator is Dena M. Woodall, associate curator of prints and drawings.

On view through Aug. 17.