Dear Readers,

I just wanted to identify the new work of art gracing my blog theme image, above. It’s an oil painting from 1947 titled “The Plow and the Song,” by the Armenian-American artist Arshile Gorky. It’s one of my favorite works of abstract art. As others have noted, it reveals Gorky’s indebtedness to Joan Miro, in its fanciful biomorphic surrealism, however this image is much more grounded in a “landscape” than most of Miro’s work.

The image and title allude to the verdant Armenian farmland recollected from Gorky’s childhood. I especially appreciate the painterly variety of color and texture and the vibrant, sinuous forms, all of which make the image breathe and pulse, for me.

The evocative yet abstract scene allows the viewer’s imagination both guidance and stimulation. I hope you enjoy it, and if so (or not) feel free to comment below.

Thanks,

Kevernacular (Kevin Lynch)