Arshile Gorky

By whatever measure one ranks the founders of contemporary American abstract art, Arshile Gorky has a place on the top row. In different ways, he influenced several who were to become most influential: de Kooning, Pollock, Rothko, Nakian. His own work is almost a visual metaphor of the digestion of European painting on this side of the Atlantic and its conversion into a new substance.

The model for one of these ought to be, without question, Arshile Gorky, whose ultimate pleasure was trying out theories and possibilities and who would not have abandoned his sobriety under the confetti of success. Gorky 's devotion to painting probably went too deep; he was, one may suspect, taking shelter in art from the strange continent upon which he had been cast. Deprived of a world of familiar things, Gorky made art his universe, as does an immigrant the narrow routine of his shop. He stocked his studio with art supplies, as if he intended to hole up there for a siege - artists in the Depression marvelled at his huge inventory of paints, brushes, drawing papers, bolts of canvas.

In choosing his vocation, the immigrant chooses whom he shall become. It is not uncommon for him to celebrate this act by renaming himself. The Armenian refugee, Vosdanig Adoian, became an American artist under the name of "Arshile Gorky." The choice is an interesting one and demands analysis, especially since the question of identity is outstanding in regard to Gorky 's paintings.

Arshile Gorky, himself a product of this period and a modern painter of considerable reputation, will add to this material his studies and knowledge in the field of science. Particularly pertinent, and forming the second source for the understanding of camouflage, is the data on protective coloring in zoology, optical illusion in the physics of light, and visual reactions to movement in Gestalt psychology. To complete the instruction and give it proper perspective is the history of camouflage and its application in the past. The Grand Central School of Art is very glad of this opportunity to extend its facilities to Arshile Gorky for this extremely interesting course.

Using these facilities, Arshile Gorky plans a studio workshop in which every student becomes a discoverer. Original research will be carried out by students in new phases of camouflage through the observation of a theory and practice method of instruction. Work in new materials, the making of scale-models, and the building of abstract constructions will be related to group discussions and lectures. Forming the ideological background will be studies in the history and aesthetics of modern art. Because of the urgent pressure of current events, the course will be a living one. Invited authorities, as well as scientists will demonstrate and confer with workshop groups.