Classical Myths and American Abstract Expressionism: the Case of William Baziotes Cover Image

Classical Myths and American Abstract Expressionism: the Case of William Baziotes
Classical Myths and American Abstract Expressionism: the Case of William Baziotes

Author(s): Mercedes Aguirre
Subject(s): Visual Arts
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego
Keywords: abstract Expressionism; Baziotes; myths; cyclop; eye

Summary/Abstract: Abstract Expressionism can be seen as a valid expression of the crisis of ‘Modern Man’ and, as a result, it assumed a central role in the cultural debate of its time. Within this crisis can be situated a new form of representing the ancient myths. William Baziotes, an artist who belongs to the New York School, becomes a modern ‘myth-maker’ who creates metaphors and symbols which refer to primitive cultures and primeval worlds. If a few of his paintings allude in their title to a particular Classical myth, others, without a specific title referring to a myth, have strong affinities with mythology. Classical myths seem to be entwined with the artist’s own personal myths, interpreted through his own language and his own symbols.

  • Issue Year: XIX/2016
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 97-104
  • Page Count: 8
  • Language: English