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Monday, September 28, 2009, 9:50 AM

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
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)

4 Comments

    Mrs. Jackson
    September 28th, 2009 | 12:27 pm

    Seems the most plausible excuse for such a blot -literally- on the history of art.

    Jane
    September 28th, 2009 | 12:35 pm

    Even if he did write his name, does that make it more valid?

    barnie
    September 28th, 2009 | 9:17 pm

    Somebody needs to get a real job.

    Gary Keith Chesterton
    September 29th, 2009 | 12:45 pm

    It’s ugly, no matter whose name it is.

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