Cy Twombly's Paper Works Retrospective at Pinakothek der Moderne Examines Critical Reception
The exhibition titled "Cy Twombly: Fünfzig Jahre Arbeiten auf Papier" took place at Munich's Pinakothek der Moderne from October 8 to November 30, 2004. It featured a collection of fifty years of the American artist's paper works, including the notable 1989 series "Petals of Fire." The article reviews the 1997 publication "Formless: A User's Guide" by Rosalind Krauss and Yves-Alain Bois, which categorizes Twombly within a European trend associated with graffiti, in contrast to Clement Greenberg's endorsement of American artists. It posits that Twombly's classical influences defy simple classifications, comparing his art to archaeological remnants. Additionally, it explores mid-20th century art criticism and Twombly's ties to Black Mountain College and influential figures like Charles Olson and John Cage.
Key facts
- Exhibition "Cy Twombly: Fünfzig Jahre Arbeiten auf Papier" ran from October 8 to November 30, 2004.
- The show was held at Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich.
- The retrospective featured works on paper spanning fifty years, including the 1989 series "Petals of Fire."
- Rosalind Krauss and Yves-Alain Bois's 1997 book "Formless: A User's Guide" frames Twombly as a graffiti artist representing European scatological tendencies.
- Krauss and Bois position Twombly in opposition to Clement Greenberg's promotion of American painters like Jackson Pollock.
- Twombly's work incorporates classical references, such as to Shelley's "Adonais" and the Roman god Mars.
- Twombly was associated with Black Mountain College and figures like Charles Olson, John Cage, and Robert Rauschenberg.
- The article critiques Krauss's theoretical approach, arguing it reduces Twombly's complex blend of classicism and technology.
Entities
Artists
- Cy Twombly
- Rosalind Krauss
- Yves-Alain Bois
- Clement Greenberg
- Jackson Pollock
- Marcel Duchamp
- Wols
- Fautrier
- Willem de Kooning
- Franz Kline
- Mark Rothko
- Michael Fried
- Lee Krasner
- Hans Hofmann
- Peggy Guggenheim
- Jasper Johns
- Robert Rauschenberg
- Mark Toby
- Rrose Sélavy
- Jean-Michel Basquiat
- Charles Olson
- John Cage
- Joseph Albers
- Malevitch
- Tatlin
- Francis Picabia
- Shelley
- Keats
- Menander
- Sappho
- Virgil
- Sesostris
Institutions
- Pinakothek der Moderne
- ARTMargins Online
- Hermitage
- Black Mountain College
- Bauhaus
- October group
Locations
- Munich
- Germany
- Prague
- Czech Republic
- St. Petersburg
- Russia
- New York
- United States