RIP Andrew Wyeth, 91, American painter
Christina’s World (1948) by Andrew Wyeth
Andrew Wyeth (July 12, 1917 – January 16, 2009) was an American figurative painter. He was one of the best-known of 20th century American art, referred to as the “Painter of the People” due to his popularity with the public, although he shares that title with Norman Rockwell. One of the best-known images in 20th century American art is Christina’s World (1948).
In the DVD extras to the film Tideland, an adaptation of Mitch Cullin‘s novel Tideland, director Terry Gilliam cites Christina’s World as an inspiration in setting the backdrop and mood for the movie. The same extras claim that Mitch Cullin was also inspired by this same painting.
Nighthawks(1942) by Edward Hopper
Wyeth is similar to Edward Hopper. Sholem Stein described Christina’s World as “Nighthawks for country folk”.
I had absolutely no idea that Wyeth was still alive, so the news of his death comes as something of a shock. I really would have thought from the feel of his art that he died 50 years ago. It just goes to show that time is not a unified force – everything is happening at a different pace to everything else. I just googled Wyeth and found someone claiming him as a modernist, but I really don’t see it – though I do take your point about him being the rural equivalent of Hopper. It will be interesting to see what course his reputation takes now.