Robert Motherwell Quotes
Robert Motherwell (1915-1991) was an American abstract expressionist painter, printmaker, and editor. He was a prominent member of the New York School, a group of artists who revolutionized the art world in the 1940s and 1950s. Motherwell’s work was heavily influenced by surrealism and he ofte…Read More
Robert Motherwell (1915-1991) was an American abstract expressionist painter, printmaker, and editor. He was a prominent member of the New York School, a group of artists who revolutionized the art world in the 1940s and 1950s. Motherwell’s work was heavily influenced by surrealism and he often incorporated elements of automatism and chance into his paintings.One of Motherwell’s most notable works is his series of paintings titled “Elegy to the Spanish Republic,” which he created in response to the Spanish Civil War. These paintings are characterized by bold, black shapes and lines on a white background, evoking a sense of mourning and loss.Motherwell was also known for his collages, which he created by layering torn paper and other materials onto a canvas. These collages often featured abstract shapes and bold colors, and were a reflection of Motherwell’s interest in the relationship between art and reality.In addition to his artistic practice, Motherwell was also a prolific writer and editor. He co-edited the influential art journal “Possibilities” and wrote several books on art and aesthetics.Overall, Robert Motherwell’s contributions to the abstract expressionist movement and his exploration of the relationship between art and reality have solidified his place as one of the most important American artists of the 20th century.Read Less
Robert Motherwell (1915-1991) was an American abstract expressionist painter, printmaker, and editor. He was a prominent member of the New York School, a group of artists who revolutionized the art world in the 1940s and 1950s. Motherwell’s work was heavily influenced by surrealism and he often incorporated elements of automatism and chance into his paintings.One of Motherwell’s most notable works is his series of paintings titled “Elegy to the Spanish Republic,” which he created in response to the Spanish Civil War. These paintings are characterized by bold, black shapes and lines on a white background, evoking a sense of mourning and loss.Motherwell was also known for his collages, which he created by layering torn paper and other materials onto a canvas. These collages often featured abstract shapes and bold colors, and were a reflection of Motherwell’s interest in the relationship between art and reality.In addition to his artistic practice, Motherwell was also a prolific writer and editor. He co-edited the influential art journal “Possibilities” and wrote several books on art and aesthetics.Overall, Robert Motherwell’s contributions to the abstract expressionist movement and his exploration of the relationship between art and reality have solidified his place as one of the most important American artists of the 20th century.
10 Top Robert Motherwell Quotes
Robert Motherwell Career Highlights
- Co-founding the New York School of Abstract Expressionism: In the 1940s, Motherwell, along with fellow artists Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Mark Rothko, formed the New York School of Abstract Expressionism. This group of artists revolutionized the art world with their spontaneous and emotionally charged paintings.
- The Elegy to the Spanish Republic series: Motherwell’s most famous series of paintings, the Elegy to the Spanish Republic, was created between 1948 and 1967. These paintings were a response to the Spanish Civil War and were heavily influenced by Motherwell’s interest in philosophy and poetry.
- Teaching at Black Mountain College: In 1945, Motherwell joined the faculty at Black Mountain College, an experimental art school in North Carolina. He taught alongside other influential artists such as Josef Albers and John Cage, and his time at the college had a significant impact on his artistic development.
- Retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art: In 1965, Motherwell had a major retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, solidifying his position as one of the leading figures of Abstract Expressionism. The exhibition featured over 100 of his works and was a critical and commercial success.
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Key Contributions by Robert Motherwell
- Developing the “drip” technique: Motherwell was one of the first artists to experiment with the “drip” technique, which involved pouring and splattering paint onto the canvas. This technique was later popularized by Jackson Pollock and became a defining characteristic of Abstract Expressionism.
- Bridging the gap between European and American art: Motherwell’s interest in European modernism and his exposure to European artists during his travels helped bridge the gap between European and American art. He incorporated elements of Surrealism and Cubism into his work, creating a unique blend of European and American styles.
- Promoting the work of other artists: Motherwell was not only a talented artist but also a passionate advocate for the work of his fellow artists. He co-founded the Documents of Modern Art series, which published monographs on contemporary artists, and also served as an editor for the influential art journal “Possibilities.”
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What Sets Robert Motherwell Apart
- Intellectual approach to art: Motherwell’s background in philosophy and his interest in literature and poetry greatly influenced his approach to art. He saw painting as a means of expressing complex ideas and emotions, rather than just creating aesthetically pleasing images.
- Use of color and form: Motherwell’s paintings are characterized by bold, contrasting colors and dynamic forms. He often used black and white to create a sense of tension and drama in his works, and his use of color was influenced by his interest in the works of Matisse and Picasso.
- Emphasis on the subconscious: Motherwell believed that art should come from the subconscious and be a reflection of the artist’s inner thoughts and emotions. He often used automatic drawing and other techniques to tap into his subconscious and create spontaneous and expressive works.
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Takeaways
- Robert Motherwell was a key figure in the development of Abstract Expressionism and played a significant role in bringing American art to the forefront of the international art scene.
- His intellectual approach to art and his interest in philosophy and literature set him apart from his contemporaries and influenced his unique style.
- Motherwell’s legacy continues to inspire artists today, and his contributions to the art world will always be remembered.
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