Blue Water

Blue Water

1976
Artist
Philip Guston, American, 1913-1980
Born: Montreal, Canada
Work Locations: New York
Country
United States
Object
painting
Medium
Oil paint on canvas
Accession Number
2002.220
Credit Line
Gift of Nancy M. and Donald F. Todd in honor of Dianne Perry Vanderlip
Philip Guston (American). Blue Water. 1976. Oil paint on canvas. Gift of Nancy M. and Donald F. Todd in honor of Dianne Perry Vanderlip. 2002.220.
Dimensions
frame height: 67 1/4 in, 170.8150 cm; frame width: 117 1/8 in, 297.4975 cm
Inscription
Signed on face in LRC; signed, dated, with title on verso in ULC.
Department
Modern and Contemporary Art
Collection
Modern and Contemporary Art
In 1968, Guston drastically changed his artistic style from abstract expressionism to the cartoon-like figuration evident in his work Blue Water. After the turmoil of the 1960s, Guston abandoned the abstract style that began to feel so isolating and restrictive, and channeled his early training at the Cleveland School of Cartooning. Blue Water, as a part of his series “Cyclops,” is an exploration into a dark style of cartoon realism that evokes themes of urbanization, political upheaval and destruction. Guston’s new style, though controversial, would greatly influence later generations of artists.
Exhibition History
  • McKee Gallery, New York, 3/1977 - 4/1977
  • Aspen Center for the Visual Arts, 1979
  • "Colorado Collects"—Denver Art Museum, 8/17/1985 - 10/6/1985
  • Contemporary Art Rotation—Denver Art Museum, 1996-97

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