Cy Twombly

Hmm, came across a pretty interesting artist on the MoMA website just now.  In contrast to the last post, this guy has so much meaning and depth and conceptualization in his work that it kinda makes me feel like a total dummy, and not just because I can't think of anything as good, but also because I don't even understand the work when its written out in front of me.




Untitled, New York 1953. / Wood, wire, twine, nails, house paint, and wax on cloth, 15 x 9 7/8 x 4 inches (38.1 x 25 x 10.1 cm)

 
Untitled, New York 1954. / Wood, cloth, twine, wooden spoons, oil crayon, house paint, and wax, 80 x 13 7/8 x 11 inches (203.2 x 35 x 28 cm).


 
Untitled, Bassano in Teverina 1980. / Wood, nails, clay, metal and paint, 79 7/8 x 23 1/4 x 15 5/8 inches (202.7 x 59 x 39.7 cm).


 
Untitled, Formia 1981. / Wood, cloth, cardboard, cord, paint, screw eyes and nails, 59 7/8 x 34 7/8 x 13 1/4 inches (152 x 88.4 x 33.6 cm).

Twombly's work is pretty esoteric.  There are supposedly some subtle references to classic myth and literature.  Honestly, I don't know my Greek mythology and symbolism well enough to ferret the meanings from his work....some people supposedly can.   I can see reference to Greek architecture and ruins, but for the most part his sculptures look utilitarian to me--like old dirty tools that were pulled from some collapsing barn in the Midwest.  The rickety structures and worn exteriors do seem like ruins and remnants.