| Arshile Gorky (1904-1948) | ||
| Washington U. | Gorky moved to the United States
from Armenia in 1920. Supporting himself by washing dishes, he studied art in Boston and
spent his spare time in the museums. His fascination with Cezanne and other masters
resulted in a style that was regarded as imitative. Through Surrealism, Gorky was allowed to return in his mind to childhood experiences. Happiness started to smile on him with his second marriage in 1941. His enthusiasm grew with the birth of two daughters. Then, in 1946, a fire destroyed his studio along with much of his work. A few weeks later he was operated on for cancer. Although the operation was successful, he became despondent and frustrated. But Gorky bounced back with works featuring home and love. He broke his neck in a 1948 automobile accident. It looked as though he would recover, but his wife left him. She discussed returning, but he hanged himself.
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Gorky
had a dorky life.