Like a lot of people in the art world, I first became aware of the painter Wilma Af Klint in the last few years. Although she was an early 20th Century artist, she was largely unknown in her own time. She was apparently painting in a completely abstract style before anyone else–even Kandinsky. She produced an enormous body of work, and worked consistently throughout her life. But her work only became widely known and exhibited in the last few years.
I get a lot of inspiration from her work because it is beautiful, and lyrical, and unique. I get a lot of inspiration from her story because, like Van Gogh, or Vivian Maier, or Diane Arbus, she only became prominent after her death. So, even in death there are hopes that our artwork can live on.
There is a huge catalogue raisonné in the works. I’ve heard it will be published next month. And I can’t wait to see it!
“Look, life is ridiculous. Nothing means anything, really, when you get right down to it. Besides, we’re all going to die. We all know all that. But, can’t we have a little fun along the way?”
Seeing a piece by Calder is always a fresh and delightful experience. His work is not really “around that much.” Unlike the work of some of the recent, super-popular artists like Warhol, or Koons, or Basquiat, whose work seems to show up every time you turn a page, or click a link, you sometimes go …
Hilma af Klint
Like a lot of people in the art world, I first became aware of the painter Wilma Af Klint in the last few years. Although she was an early 20th Century artist, she was largely unknown in her own time. She was apparently painting in a completely abstract style before anyone else–even Kandinsky. She produced an enormous body of work, and worked consistently throughout her life. But her work only became widely known and exhibited in the last few years.
I get a lot of inspiration from her work because it is beautiful, and lyrical, and unique. I get a lot of inspiration from her story because, like Van Gogh, or Vivian Maier, or Diane Arbus, she only became prominent after her death. So, even in death there are hopes that our artwork can live on.
There is a huge catalogue raisonné in the works. I’ve heard it will be published next month. And I can’t wait to see it!
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