Art

Gagosian Unveils Mythological Masterpieces by Brice Marden and Cy Twombly at TEFAF New York 2024

May 10, 2024

Gagosian, the renowned art gallery, is set to captivate art enthusiasts at TEFAF New York 2024 with an extraordinary presentation showcasing the works of two legendary artists, Brice Marden and Cy Twombly. The exhibition, which runs from May 10–14, 2024, at the prestigious Park Avenue Armory, will delve into the artists' exploratory approaches to the interplay between abstract form and mythological allusion.

Brice Marden and Cy Twombly are celebrated figures in the world of abstract expressionism, known for their unique visual languages and ability to evoke profound emotions through their art. Marden's work often explores the relationships between color, form, and gesture, while Twombly's pieces are characterized by his distinctive calligraphic marks and references to poetry and mythology.

One of the highlights of Gagosian's presentation is Brice Marden's "1–4 (Orfeo ed Euridice)" (2003), a mesmerizing mixed-media work on paper in four parts. Originally created as a backdrop for a 2003 production of Christoph Willibald Gluck's opera "Orfeo ed Euridice" at the Teatro di San Carlo in Naples, Italy, Marden's abstract compositions beautifully chronicle Orpheus's mythical journey to the underworld in search of his beloved wife, Eurydice. Each part of the work resonates with a different aspect of Marden's oeuvre, from his monochrome fields of the 1960s and 1970s to his calligraphic works of the 1980s and 1990s, showcasing the artist's evolution and mastery over his craft.

Brice Marden
1–4 (Orfeo ed Euridice), 2003
Part 1: Oil and graphite on paper
Part 2: Ink and graphite on paper
Part 3: Ink, gouache, and graphite on paper
Part 4: Mechanical reproduction on paper and graphite on paper
Each: 29 1/2 × 40 1/2 inches (74.9 × 102.9 cm)
© 2024 Estate of Brice Marden /Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Photo: Rob McKeever
Courtesy Gagosian

Alongside "1–4 (Orfeo ed Euridice)," Gagosian will also present Marden's oil painting "Elements" (1983–84), a stunning vertical composition featuring fields of red, blue, green, yellow, and black, building upon the artist's earlier monochrome canvases and demonstrating his ability to create powerful visual narratives through color and form.

Brice Marden
Elements, 1983–84
Oil on linen
90 x 24 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches (228.6 x 62.2 x 6.4 cm)
© 2024 Estate of Brice Marden /Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Photo: Rob McKeever
Courtesy Gagosian

Cy Twombly, another icon of abstract expressionism, will be celebrated through his sculpture "Madame d'O" (1999) and his large-scale abstract canvas "Untitled" (2005). "Madame d'O," cast in an edition of four bronzes from an object made in 1992, showcases Twombly's unique approach to sculpture, incorporating found objects and materials to create intimate works imbued with references to narrative and landscape. The elusive inscription "d'O" on the piece reflects Twombly's love for poetic language and his ability to evoke meaning through minimal gestures.

Cy Twombly
Madame d'O, 1999
Patinated bronze
70 x 16 x 10 5/8 inches (177.8 x 40.6 x 27 cm)
© Cy Twombly Foundation
Photo: Thomas Barratt
Courtesy Gagosian

"Untitled" (2005), a mesmerizing abstract canvas, features looping red lines of oil paint and wax crayon against a pale ground, creating a succession of asemic gestures that pulsate with physical energy. This work exemplifies Twombly's unparalleled ability to convey emotion and movement through his distinctive visual language.

Cy Twombly
Untitled (Lexington, Virginia), 2005
Oil paint and wax crayon on canvas
70 1/8 x 83 3/4 inches (178.1 x 212.7 cm)
© Cy Twombly Foundation
Photo: Jeff McLane
Courtesy Gagosian

Gagosian's presentation of Brice Marden and Cy Twombly's works at TEFAF New York 2024 promises to be a standout exhibition, offering a rare opportunity to explore the profound connections between mythology, abstraction, and the human experience. As the event brings together art lovers, collectors, and connoisseurs from around the world, visitors will have the chance to witness the power and beauty of these groundbreaking artists' creations, gaining a deeper understanding of their enduring legacy in the art world.