Wyndham Lewis
Wyndham Lewis: A Life of Artistic Vision and Criticism
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Wyndham Lewis (1882-1957) was a British novelist, art critic, painter, and philosopher. His full name was Pwyll ap Syr Issa (Welsh for "son of the son of Sir Edward"), which he later changed to Wyndham Lewis.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on November 18, 1882, in Clapham, London, England, Lewis passed away on March 7, 1957, at the age of 74.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Lewis was a British citizen by birth. His notable professions include:
Novelist
Art critic
Painter
Philosopher
Early Life and Background
Wyndham Lewis grew up in Clapham, London, surrounded by his family's artistic inclinations. His mother, Florence Emily Powell, encouraged his creative pursuits from an early age. Lewis's father, William Philip Gedge Lewis, was a solicitor who instilled in him a love for literature and art.
Lewis attended Campbell College in Belfast before moving to the University of Oxford, where he read philosophy at Merton College. However, due to health issues, he left university without completing his degree.
Major Accomplishments
During World War I, Lewis served as an artillery officer in France, where he witnessed firsthand the horrors of war. This experience had a profound impact on his writing and art. He became known for his critiques of modernity, technology, and the effects of war on society.
Some of Lewis's notable accomplishments include:
Founding the Vorticist movement in 1914 with Ezra Pound
Creating a series of paintings and sculptures that explored themes of fragmentation and disillusionment
Publishing novels like "Tarr" (1918) and "The Revenge for Love" (1937)
Editing the literary magazine Blast, which showcased his critiques of modern society
Notable Works or Actions
Lewis's notable works include:
Tarr (1918), a novel that explores the themes of disillusionment, fragmentation, and the effects of war
The Revenge for Love (1937), a satirical novel that critiques modernity and technology
Blast (1914-1919), his literary magazine that featured works by prominent artists and writersImpact and Legacy
Wyndham Lewis's impact on modern art, literature, and philosophy is undeniable. His critiques of modern society, as well as his exploration of the effects of war on humanity, continue to influence contemporary thought.
Lewis's artistic vision, which emphasized the importance of individualism and creative expression, resonates with artists and writers around the world. His work serves as a reminder of the power of art to critique and challenge societal norms.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Wyndham Lewis is widely quoted or remembered for his:
Provocative critiques of modern society, which continue to inspire debate and discussion
Pioneering work in the Vorticist movement, which paved the way for future art movements like Cubism and Surrealism
Influential writing style, which blended elements of philosophy, psychology, and literature to create a unique voice
* Artistic vision, which emphasized individualism and creative expression
Lewis's legacy extends beyond his artistic output. He continues to inspire artists, writers, and thinkers who value creative expression and critical thinking. His work serves as a reminder that art has the power to challenge societal norms and inspire change.
In conclusion, Wyndham Lewis was a multifaceted artist, writer, and philosopher whose contributions continue to shape modern thought. His provocative critiques of modern society, pioneering work in the Vorticist movement, influential writing style, and artistic vision have left an indelible mark on art, literature, and philosophy.
Quotes by Wyndham Lewis
Wyndham Lewis's insights on:
There is nothing contemptible about an intoxicated man – if it is nothing more than a bookful of words or a roomful of notes that he has got drunk on.
Then down came the lid – the day was lost, for art, at Sarajevo. World-politics stepped in, and a war was started which has not ended yet: a “war to end war.” But it merely ended art. It did not end war.
A sort of war of revenge on the intellect is what, for some reason, thrives in the contemporary social atmosphere.
Men were only made into ‘men’ with great difficulty even in primitive society: the male is not naturally ‘a man’ any more than the woman. He has to be propped up into that position with some ingenuity, and is always likely to collapse.
To be a satirist, at all events. The venom of Pope is what is needed. The sense of delight – the expansion and the compassion of Shakespeare is no good at all for that. He is a bad comic.
The male has been persuaded to assume a certain onerous and disagreeable role with the promise of rewards – material and psychological. Women may in the first place even have put it into his head. BE A MAN! may have been, metaphorically, what Eve uttered at the critical moment in the garden of Eden.
All orthodox opinion – that is, today, “revolutionary” opinion either of the pure or the impure variety – is anti-man.
