Solon I 1952

Cy Twombly made this painting, Solon I, with paint on canvas, and it feels like a really physical process. The surface has this earthy, almost ancient feel because of the brown palette. You can see how the paint is applied in layers, not really concealing the artist’s hand. It's almost like looking at a wall with marks and gestures accumulated over time, but here, it's all happening at once. There are vertical strokes, some thick, some thin, that create a rhythmic quality. Take a look at the way the dark shapes at the top bleed downwards. It's as if he's letting gravity play a role, letting the paint find its own way. Twombly often referenced classical themes in his work, and he shares a certain sensibility with artists like Antoni Tàpies, where texture and the act of making become part of the story. It reminds us that art doesn't always need to be clear or fixed; it can be a space for exploration and openness.