I recently got a comment on my YouTube saying Cy Twombly's instinctual mark-making “abused the spirit of abstract expressionism.” I so disagree. I am not saying I do not understand this man’s comment, I do, but I feel Twombly’s work can be appreciated for many reasons and many within the realm of abstract expressionism.
12" x 16"Capturing Ephemeral Lines 4 - Artist's expression of Cy Twombly's work
1. Authenticity and Emotional Depth
Twombly seemed to made marks from a place of pure instinct. When marks are made from pure instinct, they are often more genuine, unfiltered, reflecting the artist's true emotions and thoughts in the moment. How freeing it that!! Twombly’s work captures this raw authenticity, allowing us to connect with the art on a deeply emotional level. While as artists, we might think of his marks as childish and perhaps even making fun of the true meaning of abstract expressionism, but I feel if we look at the deep freedom this way of making marks allows us to make our marks from an instinctual level, we might understand the power of it.
2. Freedom from Constraints
From my own experience as an artist, these instinctual mark-making that I get so excited to see from Twombly, helps free my own marks from the confines of traditional techniques and expectations. Twombly’s approach exemplifies how letting go of preconceived notions can lead to innovative and unique expressions. This freedom encourages me and I am sure other artists to explore new territories, push the boundaries of what art can be and invitees creativity to flow without inhibition.
3. Spontaneity and Energy
Marks made from instinct carry a sense of spontaneity and energy that is hard to replicate through more reserved mark making methods. Twombly’s work pulses with life because I feel he created in the moment, capturing the dynamic depth of his thoughts. This energy translates to me, the making the art that is alive and in motion, even when static on a canvas.
4. Connection to the Subconscious
Instinctual mark-making often taps into the subconscious, revealing aspects of the artist’s psyche that might not surface through more deliberate methods. It is said that Twombly’s work frequently explored themes of his memory, history, and that his instinctual marks can be seen as a way to express these deep-seated ideas. For the artist, this connection to the subconscious is a way to access and express complex, often abstract concepts that words alone cannot convey. TO be free to make marks of such passion!!
5. Encouraging Personal Interpretation
Twombly’s instinct-driven marks invite viewers to engage with his work on a personal level, interpreting his marks from our own lenses. This openness is a strength, as it allows each viewer to bring their own experiences and emotions to the interpretation of the piece. The ambiguity of his marks encourages a dialogue between the art and its audience, making the experience of viewing Twombly’s work a personal and evolving journey.
In Conclusion
Cy Twombly’s instinctual mark-making is a reminder to the power of spontaneity, emotional authenticity, and the connection between the artist’s inner world and their creative expression. His work encourages me and I am sure other artists and viewers alike to embrace the unpredictable and see the beauty in the raw, unfiltered moments of creation.
thank you