Cy Twombly

Cy Twombly

The Artist:

Cy Twombly was born in Lexington, Virginia in 1928. At the age of 14 Twombly began to take painting classes as well as attending lectures for four years. In the late 1940’s Twombly began to gain interest in German expressionism as well as Dada art work. (cytwombly.info ) After moving to Georgia Twombly found an opening in an art program in Washington and Lee University lead Twombly to move to New York City. In 1952 Twombly travel via a grant from the Richmond Museum of Fine Arts and between1952-1957.  In 1957 he left to live in Italy and a year later he had his first exhibit it Rome at the Galleria La Tartaruga. Twombly traveled to many places but always returned to New York City. Twombly created many pieces throughout his career and has work in many museums in the world. Passing away just under a year ago Cy Twombly left behind a great amount of work that continues to catch many views attention with his type of work that he expressed through out each piece. Although at first glance his work may be somewhat strange it definitely holds the power to want to see more. 

The Work:

This piece was created in 1992; it consists of wood, plastic leaves, plaster, and paint. I wanted to see what other piece of work was done by Twombly and this piece of work was a little easier to create meaning for. Each one of the elements holds a different use outside of this piece of work, although you could find the objects to be a part of a house or structure. When separated each piece that makes this work of art really nice to enjoy, by themselves conveys no strong meeting.

My Reaction:

Thinking back to the paintings in the dedicated space in the Philadelphia Museum of Art that to me clearly describe a troubled person, it was very intriguing to be able to see different variation in works of art that do not seem to be developed out of anger. During my research I found an enormous amount of work that deals with sculptures that were made of different and random materials. With most of them being untitled it is very difficult to tell the direction of each piece or even the influence behind them, which I believe may have something to do with the corresponding title of untitled. With the work of art that I chose it brings in two elements that make this sculpture have such a contrast in symbolism, but just as much may have changed the characteristics of each of the poetic meanings. Taking a flower and placing it in such a solid and ridged structure creates an instance that would seem impossible to find outside of the art work. Although a flower is corresponded with being delicate the form was changed when it appears to be stiffened with paint poured over top of it and left to dry, on the other hand the wooden box that is covered in plaster appears to look similar to a brick loses it ridged ness with the excess dripping of paint rolling down the side almost as if it is melting.

WORK CITED:

"Cy Twombly Biography." Cy Twombly Biography. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 June 2012. <http://www.cytwombly.info/twombly_biography.htm>.

"NGA - Twombly: Early Years and Education." NGA - Twombly: Early Years and Education. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 June 2012. <http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/2001/twombly/twombly2.shtm>.