Gerome Kamrowski's
The Spectral Attitudes is a captivating oil on canvas painting created in 1941, now housed at the
Smithsonian American Art Museum in the United States. This artwork exemplifies the artist's exploration of Surrealism and his unique approach to combining abstract forms with intuitive expressions.
Artistic Background
Gerome Kamrowski was an American artist born in 1914, known for his contributions to the Surrealist movement. His artistic journey began at the St. Paul School of Art in Minnesota, where he studied under Cameron Booth and Leroy Turner, both former students of Hans Hofmann. This exposure to expressionist cubism and synthetic cubism laid the groundwork for Kamrowski's later experimentation with Surrealism.
In 1937, Kamrowski moved to Chicago to study under Laszlo Moholy-Nagy and Alexander Archipenko at the New Bauhaus. This period was significant in his development, as he became intrigued by the geometric basis of natural forms and the role of nature in art. A Guggenheim fellowship in 1938 allowed him to attend Hans Hofmann's summer school in Provincetown, Massachusetts, further enriching his artistic perspective.
Surrealist Influences
Kamrowski's fascination with Surrealism was influenced by William Baziotes, a fellow artist who experimented with automatic writing and painting. Together, they explored the potential of Surrealist techniques in their work. Kamrowski was particularly drawn to the intuitive aspects of Surrealism, which he believed offered a more comprehensive humanistic approach than the strict formalism of non-objective art.
Composition and Symbolism
The Spectral Attitudes features two main figures, one on the left and another on the right side of the canvas. The figure on the left appears to be a woman with an oversized head and a diminutive body, while the figure on the right is a man with an elongated neck. These figures are surrounded by vibrant shapes and colors that create a dynamic and complex composition.
The painting includes various objects such as a bowl on the left side and an eye near the center, adding to the visual interest and symbolism of the work. The overall arrangement suggests a blend of abstract forms and representational elements, characteristic of Kamrowski's Surrealist style.
Conclusion
Gerome Kamrowski's
The Spectral Attitudes is a significant example of American Surrealism in the early 20th century. The painting reflects the artist's exploration of intuition and abstract forms, influenced by his studies under prominent artists and his engagement with Surrealist principles.
For those interested in exploring more of Kamrowski's work or learning about other Surrealist artists,
The Spectral Attitudes and
Gerome Kamrowski's Wikipedia page offer valuable insights into his artistic contributions.
Key Points:
- The Spectral Attitudes is a Surrealist oil on canvas painting by Gerome Kamrowski, created in 1941.
- Kamrowski was influenced by expressionist cubism, synthetic cubism, and the geometric basis of natural forms.
- He explored Surrealism with William Baziotes, emphasizing intuition over formalism.
- The painting features abstract forms, representational elements, and symbolic objects.
This captivating artwork is a testament to Kamrowski's innovative approach to Surrealism, blending the boundaries between abstraction and representation.