Author: Nouritza Matossian
Genre: Biography, Art History
Explore the intricate and poignant life of Arshile Gorky, one of the foremost Armenian painters whose influence lingers in the landscape of modern art. In Black Angel: The Life of Arshile Gorky, Nouritza Matossian presents the first full-scale biography dedicated to this enigmatic artist. Gorky’s life was marked by personal struggles and a relentless pursuit of artistic excellence, encapsulated in Matossian's careful research and profound insight.
Born Manoug Adoian in Armenia, Gorky survived the harrowing Turkish genocide of 1915 before emigrating to the United States. There, he adopted the name Arshile Gorky, cleverly posing as a cousin of the renowned Russian author Maxim Gorky, as he worked to forge a new identity in an unfamiliar country. Matossian meticulously charts Gorky’s journey through promising artistic relationships, including alliances with other influential figures of the New York School like Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, and Jackson Pollock.
As one of the early proponents of abstract expressionism, Gorky’s work reflects a deep connection to his Armenian roots, and the author examines how these cultural elements profoundly influenced his art. However, Gorky’s path was not without tragedy; a series of illnesses and personal hardships led to his untimely death at age forty-six. Matossian draws from Gorky’s personal letters and new source materials to provide a compassionate and compelling analysis of the artist’s life and legacy.
Why You Should Read This Book: Whether you are an art enthusiast or a lover of inspiring stories, Black Angel offers a remarkable look into the mind of an artist grappling with the forces of fate, identity, and creation. It is a heartfelt tribute to Gorky’s indelible impact on the art world and a deep exploration of his individual story, emphasizing the powerful interplay between experiences, heritage, and artistic expression.
