John Ashbery
John Ashbery
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
John Ashbery was born as Jacob Iris Ashbery on July 1, 1927, in Calvary Hospital, New York City. His friends and family often referred to him as Jake.
Birth and Death Dates
Ashbery lived for nearly a century, passing away on September 3, 2017, at the age of 90.
Nationality and Profession(s)
He was an American poet, editor, literary critic, and art writer. Ashbery's poetry is known for its complex style and exploration of themes such as modernism, surrealism, and postmodernism.
Early Life and Background
Ashbery grew up in a family that valued education and culture. His father, William Ashbery, was an architect, while his mother, Elinor Caldwell Ashbery, was a former schoolteacher. The family resided in Sarsfield, Massachusetts, where John spent most of his childhood. During World War II, he moved to Chicago with his family.
Ashbery's early life had a significant influence on his writing style and themes. He was fascinated by literature from an early age, devouring works such as Shakespeare and the Romantics. His love for poetry led him to attend Harvard University in 1945, where he began to develop his own unique style.
Major Accomplishments
Ashbery's career spanned over six decades, earning him numerous accolades and recognition within the literary world. Some of his notable accomplishments include:
Editor of _Art News_ magazine (1958-1968)
First poet laureate consultant in poetry to the Library of Congress (1985-1986)
Recipient of the National Book Award for Poetry (1977) and the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry (1977)Notable Works or Actions
Ashbery's most famous works include:
"Some Trees" (1956), his first collection of poetry
"Rivers and Mountains" (1966)
"Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror" (1975), which won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry
Ashbery was also known for his art criticism, writing articles on modern art movements. His love for painting led him to create several works himself.
Impact and Legacy
John Ashbery's influence extends beyond literature, affecting the art world as well. He played a significant role in shaping American poetry during the 20th century. His unique style, blending elements of surrealism and postmodernism, inspired generations of poets.
Ashbery's legacy is also reflected in his contributions to literary magazines and journals. As an editor at _Art News_, he provided a platform for emerging artists and writers.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
John Ashbery's quotes are often cited due to their thought-provoking nature and introspective themes. His poetry is characterized by its:
Complex metaphors: Ashbery's poems frequently employed abstract concepts and metaphors, making them both enigmatic and accessible.
Playful language: He was known for his use of wordplay, incorporating puns, and double meanings into his work.
* Exploration of identity: Throughout his poetry, Ashbery explored themes related to self-discovery, often questioning societal norms.
Ashbery's quotes continue to captivate readers with their depth and insight.
Quotes by John Ashbery
John Ashbery's insights on:
There are good times in everybody’s satchel, nor do we all get a free pass. That would be a split decision, as they call it. How else is the planned brotherhood to float forward?
A perfect example of the new republic’s urge to drape itself with the togas of classical respectability.
Transgress. In a word, be other than yourself in turning into your love-soaked opposite.
Part of the strength of Pollock and Rothko’s art, in fact, is this doubt as to whether art may be there at all.
The mind Is so hospitable, taking in everything Like boarders, and you don’t see until It’s all over how little there was to learn Once the stench of knowledge has dissipated.
I’m heading for a clean-named place like Wisconsin, and mad as a jack-o’-lantern, will get there without help and nosy proclivities.
If you need a certain vitality you can only supply it yourself, or there comes a point, anyway, when no one’s actions but your own seem dramatically convincing and justifiable in the plot that the number of your days concocts.
