Artwork
The Plough and the Song
The Plough and the Song is an oil painting by the Abstract Expressionist artist Arshile Gorky. It dates from 1946 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
About this work
Overview
The Plough and the Song is a 1946 oil painting by Arshile Gorky, currently in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Characterized by abstract, fluid forms and a vibrant color palette, the work eschews representational subject matter.
Subject & Meaning
While devoid of a clear, identifiable subject or scene, the painting conveys a sense of dynamic energy and movement through its expressive brushwork. The interplay of colors and forms generates a palpable tension and release, engaging the viewer's eye in a circular motion across the canvas.
Technique & Style
Gorky's technique in this piece emphasizes spontaneous, expressive brushstrokes, combining earthy tones with accents of blue and red. This approach reflects the artist's exploration of abstract expressionism, balancing spontaneity with compositional harmony.
History & Provenance
Created in 1946, The Plough and the Song is part of Gorky's oeuvre from a period of intense creative development. The painting is now part of the permanent collection at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Context
This work is situated within the broader context of the abstract expressionist movement of the 1940s, alongside the works of Gorky's contemporaries. However, its title, 'The Plough and the Song', hints at a subtle connection to the artist's Armenian heritage and the juxtaposition of labor ('the plough') and creativity ('the song').
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Artist & collection
Artist
Arshile Gorky was an Armenian-American painter who had a seminal influence on Abstract Expressionism.
