“Nighttime, Enigma and Nostalgia,” created by Arshile Gorky circa 1931 to circa 1932, is a symbolic painting rendered in ink on board. Adherent to the Surrealism movement, this artwork is housed at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork exemplifies Gorky’s exploration of surrealistic forms and scenes, characterized by abstract and fantastical imagery. It features an intricate composition consisting of dark, swirling shapes juxtaposed against more structured geometric forms. The figures within the artwork are amorphous and enigmatic, embodying a dreamlike quality typical of the Surrealist genre. The interplay of shadow and light, along with the detailed texture work, evokes a sense of mystery and introspection, inviting viewers to delve into the enigmatic world Gorky has created.