Cy Twombly
Cy Twombly: A Life of Artistic Expression
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Cy Twombly was born Edwin Parker Twombly Jr. on January 25, 1928. He is commonly known as Edward "Cy" Twombly.
Birth and Death Dates
January 25, 1928 – July 5, 2011
Nationality and Profession(s)
American artist, painter, and sculptor
Early Life and Background
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Cy Twombly was born in Lexington, Virginia. His family moved to Rome when he was two years old, where his father served as a diplomat. This international upbringing would later influence his art. Twombly's early life was marked by privilege, but also by difficulties adjusting to American schools after his father's posting back to the United States.
Major Accomplishments
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Paintings that blurred the line between abstraction and figuration
Use of scribbled letters, symbols, and other marks in his work
Collaboration with artists such as Robert Rauschenberg
Exhibitions at major museums like the MoMA in New York
Notable Works or Actions
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Twombly's art often explored themes of time, memory, and the human condition. His most famous works include:
Blackboard Paintings
In these paintings, Twombly covered large canvases with scribbled letters and symbols, reminiscent of chalk marks on a blackboard. Examples include "Untitled (Blackboard)" (1966) and "New York I" (1984).
Wax Works
Twombly experimented with wax in the 1970s and 1980s, creating intricate sculptures that seemed to defy gravity.
Impact and Legacy
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Cy Twombly's innovative style has had a lasting impact on modern art. His use of scribbled letters and symbols paved the way for future generations of abstract expressionists. Artists such as Brice Marden and Ellsworth Kelly have cited him as an influence.
Twombly received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale in 1969. He continued to create art until his death on July 5, 2011.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Cy Twombly's artistic contributions are widely recognized due to his groundbreaking style and influence on modern art. His ability to blend abstraction and figuration continues to inspire artists today.
As a pioneer in abstract expressionism, Cy Twombly left an indelible mark on the world of art. His innovative use of symbols and scribbled letters has become iconic, making him one of the most quoted and remembered figures in modern art history.
Quotes by Cy Twombly
I love my sculptures, and I was lucky I had them for 50 years because no one would look at them, and I really liked having them around.
Graffiti is linear and it’s done with a pencil, and it’s like writing on walls. But in my paintings it’s more lyrical.
I work in waves, because I’m impatient. Because of a certain physicality, of lack of breath from standing. It has to be done and I do take liberties I wouldn’t have taken before.