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Art
Cy Twombly

When

May 16, 2009 – Oct 11, 2009

Mondays–Wednesdays (10:30am–5pm)

Thursdays–Fridays (10:30am–9pm)

Saturdays–Sundays (10am–5pm)

Where
The Art Institute of Chicago (111 S Michigan Ave, 312.443.3600)
Price
$18
Details
http://www.artic.edu/aic/exhibitions/exhibition/twombly
Twombly_lg_large

Keeping to his own path, Cy Twombly has developed a singular idiom over five decades. His energetic paintings are marked by blotches and gestural scrawls that bring to mind calligraphy or some kind of primordial graffiti. The Art Institute opens its Modern Wing with an exhibition of 32 recent works (2000-2007) by the living legend, most inspired by floral forms or the landscapes of Virginia and coastal Italy. With their equivocal leanings and buried references, Twombly's paintings often beckon to be deciphered, but his newer works seem as invested in a more immediate, emotional response. Beginning with lively works on paper, the exhibition builds towards immense paintings that are color-saturated and sumptuous, calmly beautiful and yet — with red peonies blossoming like wounds — somewhat menacing as well.

Karsten Lund