Philip Guston: Abstract Expressionism's Provocative Pioneer and Ultimate Critic

摘要

"Significant artists are often those figures who make bold and difficult transitions... whose works reflect not only the aspirations and anxieties of their own generation, but of those that came before and after." Beginning with his childhood fascination with popular American comic strips; through mural painting laden with political imagery; to easel painting and a burgeoning interest in, advancement of, and ultimate disenchantment with Abstract Expressionism; through his invention of a highly controversial figurative mode of painting and drawing that influenced younger artists, Philip Guston (1913-80) courageously changed styles according to his beliefs and in response to social and political issues of the day. "Philip Guston ... reflects influences ranging from the great Italian quattrocento masters Piero della Francesca and Paolo Uccello, to [Jean-Antoine] Watteau, to the early 20th-century works of [Giorgio] de Chirico, [Pablo] Picasso, and [Piet] Mondrian, as well as the popular American cartoon," notes Philippe de Montebello, director of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. "Gus-ton's particular genius was in mediating such seemingly diverse traditions, and, with fluent brushstrokes that speak to the artist's hand and brilliant color, creating works that vigorously defied conventions. He was a compelling figure who charted a course that was often contradictory, yet always courageous from an aesthetic and theoretical standpoint."