Most are bewildered by the work of the great American artist Cy Twombly (1928–2011). His paintings are dominated by light grey and tan washes that often cloak wild, child-like scribblings. Much of his work is focused on reinterpreting historical texts and objects — an inclination which stems from Twombly’s interest in ancient civilizations and their rituals.
He will often take a poetic phrase or idea from a historical text and use it as the starting point for a painting. Some see his layered work forming a connection between these ancient cultures and our modern world. Some suggest his markings constitute a search for meaning, exploring the instinctual impulses that lurk beneath our rational thoughts.
It is interesting to note that Twombly served in the US Army as a cryptologist, or someone who constructs and analyzes codes and information protocols used to secure communications. One can certainly see this influence in his paintings — layers of text and markings that have purposely been obscured or smudged. The corner of the modestly sized piece shown here is entitled Ilium (One Morning Ten Years Later) [Part 1]. The Ilium is the upper part of the hip bone. All mammals that have a spine also have an ilium bone except for certain species of snakes.
The term Ilium was coined by 16th century Flemish anatomist Andreas Vesalius, the founder of modern anatomy, who wrote De humani corporis fabrica (On the Fabric of the Human Body).
Most of Twombly’s work is quite large. Some of his most impressive paintings fill entire halls in a modestly sized gallery designed by Renzo Piano in Houston, Texas. The gallery was funded by the Menil Collection, Dia Art Foundation and the artist himself. Spaces in the gallery are flooded with soft, filtered, natural light. The geometries and finishes of the building are elegantly detailed and minimal, which allows your complete attention to be focused on the work. This gallery, which is free and open to the public, is one on the best art experiences I have ever had. Twombly’s large-scale graffiti-like works have inspired a generation of younger artists including Jean-Michel Basquiat, and if you have an opportunity to experience his work I trust you will be inspired as well.