Support First Things by turning your adblocker off or by making a  donation. Thanks!

Art historian Henry Adams contends that Pollock created Mural around his name , discernible as camouflaged letters and explains what it might mean:
Jackson-Pollock-1943-Mural-388

Pollock’s possibly writing his name in Mural testifies to an overlooked feature of his works: they have a structure, contrary to the popular notion that they could be done by any 5-year-old with a knack for splatters. In my view, Pollock organized the painting around his name according to a compositional system—vertical markings that serve as the loci of rhythmic spirals—borrowed directly from his mentor, Benton.

Smithsonian.com has an interactive slide show that highlights each of the letters. Seems convincing to me. What do you think? Coincidence or evidence of artistic design?

(Via: Kottke )


Comments are visible to subscribers only. Log in or subscribe to join the conversation.

Tags

Loading...

Filter First Thoughts Posts

Related Articles