Nighttime, Enigma and Nostalgia 1932

Arshile Gorky, an Armenian-American artist, created "Nighttime, Enigma and Nostalgia," using ink on paper. Gorky was a survivor of the Armenian Genocide, and his work often grapples with themes of memory, loss, and cultural identity. Here, the biomorphic shapes and surreal composition evoke a sense of dreamlike abstraction, reflective of the complex emotional landscape shaped by trauma and displacement. The interplay of light and shadow creates a nocturnal atmosphere, enhancing the feeling of mystery and introspection. Gorky’s abstract language developed as a way of speaking about the unspeakable. As he once said, "Abstraction allows man to see with his mind what he cannot see physically with his eyes." "Nighttime, Enigma and Nostalgia" invites us to contemplate the intersection of personal history, cultural heritage, and the power of art to express the inexpressible. It serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of historical events on individual lives and artistic expression.