Cy Twombly's "The Last Paintings" exhibition, presented by Gagosian in 2012, offered a poignant finale to the artist's illustrious career. This series, deeply intertwined with the "Camino Real" collection that marked the inauguration of Gagosian Paris in 2010, consists of eight untitled paintings produced in 2011. These artworks are celebrated for their exuberant brushwork and vibrant colors, demonstrating Twombly's unwavering freedom and creativity up until his final days. The paintings are characterized by their large scale, approximately 100 inches in height, and are made on wood panels. The dynamic and circular gestures within these pieces, along with the use of complementary colors like bold oranges, yellows, and reds against a neon green background, inject the surface with a palpable energy​ (Gagosian)​​ (Painters' Table)​.

In addition to these paintings, the exhibition included around a hundred of Twombly's photographs, ranging from early studio images from the 1950s to landscapes taken in St. Barths in 2011. These photographs offer a more intimate look into Twombly's life and process, showcasing his ability to abstract real life into his work. Notably, Twombly's photographs adjust focus to create blurred or blotchy effects, revealing his unique perception of the world and directly influencing his painting style​ (Gagosian)​​ (The Arts Desk)​.

The exhibition traveled from Los Angeles to Hong Kong, London, and New York throughout 2012, accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue featuring essays and a photo essay by Sally Mann. Twombly's "The Last Paintings" not only cement his legacy as one of the most revered contemporary artists but also highlight his role as a central figure in the art world, continuously pushing the boundaries of expression and abstraction​ (Artmap)​.