“Anabasis (Xenephon)”, created by Cy Twombly in 1983, is a notable piece associated with the Neo-Expressionism art movement and falls within the abstract genre. The artwork exemplifies Twombly’s characteristic style, reflecting a dynamic interplay of form and texture.
The artwork showcases a chaotic tangle of lines and scribbles, rendered in a variety of colors such as purples, reds, blacks, and yellows. Central to the composition is an elliptical form, overlaid with frenetic and layered strokes, evocative of raw and primal expression. At the top, the title “Anabasis” and the name “Xenephon” are inscribed in a roughly sketched script, suggesting a textual and historical reference. The date, “Nov. 20, 83,” is also present, further situating the piece in a specific temporal context. The work’s abstract nature invites viewers to seek their interpretations, while its vigorous execution speaks to the broader themes of emotion and human experience prevalent in Neo-Expressionism.
