Early Life and Influences

Arshile Gorky, born Vostanik Manoug Adoian, was a Turkish-born Armenian-American painter who left an indelible mark on the art world. Born on April 15, 1904, in Khorgom, Van, Ottoman Empire (now Turkey), Gorky's life was marked by turmoil and displacement, which would later influence his artistic style.

The Formative Years

Gorky's family fled to Russian-controlled territory during the Armenian Genocide in 1915. This pivotal event shaped his worldview and informed his future artistic expressions. In 1920, at the age of 16, Gorky reunited with his father in America but struggled to form a close bond.

Artistic Evolution

• Landscape in the Manner of Cézanne (1927) and Landscape, Staten Island (1927–1928) exemplify Gorky's early experimentation with cubism and post-impressionism.
• His later works, such as Nighttime, Enigma, Nostalgia (1930–1934), showcase a shift towards surrealism, characterized by complex, abstract forms.

Notable Works and Collaborations

Key Artworks:

• The Artist and His Mother (ca. 1926–1936), a poignant portrait inspired by a childhood photograph, showcases Gorky's innovative style.
• Portrait of Master Bill, initially believed to be a portrait of Willem de Kooning, is now recognized as a depiction of a Swedish carpenter who worked for Gorky.

Collaborations and Influences:

• Gorky's association with the Works Progress Administration Federal Art Project (1933) brought him alongside notable artists like Alice Neel, Lee Krasner, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko.
• His work was also influenced by Paul Cézanne, as seen in his Landscape series.

Legacy and Museum Collections

Gorky's impact on Abstract Expressionism is undeniable. His works can be found in various museums, including the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., and are a testament to his enduring influence.

• Explore Gorky's artwork and other influential artists at WahooArt.
• Delve into the world of art history with WahooArt's comprehensive timeline: Wahoo Art Timeline.

Conclusion

Arshile Gorky's life, marked by displacement and turmoil, translated into a body of work that would redefine the landscape of Abstract Expressionism. His legacy continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike, a testament to the transformative power of art. View Gorky's Artworks on WahooArt Learn more about Arshile Gorky on Wikipedia