Pentimento - Artists, Reflections, Muse Italia
While still reflecting on the life of Cy Twombly, I muse over a few artists that have been influenced by Italy. There is just something about the visual beauty and the history of Italy that seems to impact many artists, writers and creatives.
I go further into thoughts on the art of Cy Twombly and Robert Rauschenberg throwing his art into the Arno River in Florence after a disparaging critic’s comment, and how artists move forward regardless of popularity or understanding. Generally the people catch up later. For some like Julian Schnabel they hit their stride early.
Schnabel said, Italy had a “massive impression” on him. He lived in Milan earlier in his career creating work influenced by place and the landscape. A visit to the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua had such an impact on his psyche he changed the way he painted. You can see this shift in his documentary in Julian Schnabel: A Private Portrait. He later purchased land in New York City and turned it into a Venetian Palazzo. Palazzo Chupi is bright pink building and an ambitious manifestation of his own artistic temperament. The visual beauty of Venice influences many of us in varying ways.
I go on a personal journey on this episode contemplating the life of the artists and my own. Later in the share I muse over the life and inspirations of Cy Twombly, Julian Schnabel and Picasso.
Image Credit - RobilantVoena
"blurring, blotching, writing and inscribing were purposely obscured by superimposing" - Thierry Greub on Twombly's painting process
Apollo, 1975 Cy Twombly Foundation
Shownotes:
Here are a few links to some of my resources for musing over Italy as a place of connection, inspiration and private interior motives (mostly mine but many artists who feel the same) …. enjoy!
Gaeta Italy - Twombly’s Picasso - Visual from the New York Times
“I fall in love with places” - Cy Twombly
Image credit - Cy Twombly for Centre Pompidou, Exhibition Catalogue, Edited by Jonas Storsve
