Moses Mirkin attended the Preliminary Course given by Johannes Itten, whose focus was on conveying the foundations of the properties of materials, composition and colour theory. Contrast studies, such as this one by Mirkin, work with the contrasting properties of materials: metal elements, saw-blade, lamp chimney and leather were mounted here three-dimensionally on wood and also depicted graphically. Using this method of perceptual experimentation, the students not only sharpened their perceptions but also learned how to handle various raw materials. In the Preliminary Courses given by Itten’s two successors, László Moholy-Nagy and Josef Albers, students also dealt with construction, balance and the correct use of materials.