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2000s
2000s

In the 2000s, Cy Twombly's art continued to delve into themes that had preoccupied him for much of his career: the intersection of the natural world, ancient history, and personal expression, articulated through his distinctive abstract style. The Art Institute of Chicago's exhibition "Cy Twombly: The Natural World, Selected Works 2000–2007" highlighted Twombly's enduring fascination with landscapes and his ability to stimulate viewers with any kind of scenery. This period in Twombly's work featured a diverse array of media, including acrylics, wood and plaster sculptures, dry-print photographs, and monumental canvases. The artist's late style, as showcased in this exhibition, remained potently transgressive, maintaining the raw energy and curiosity that characterized his earlier works​ (The Art Institute of Chicago)​. The "Making Past Present: Cy Twombly" exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston further explored Twombly's lifelong engagement with the ancient Mediterranean world. Twombly's work was displayed alongside ancient artifacts, creating a dialogue between past and present and highlighting how Twombly's modern style was infused with the spirit of antiquity. This exhibition illuminated Twombly's method of engaging with ancient themes through nonliteral forms and gestures, thereby evoking the ancient world in a modern context. Twombly's art from this era demonstrates his deep interest in mythology, poetry, and archeology, revealing how these interests shaped his creative vision​ (Museum of Fine Arts Boston)​. Throughout the 2000s, Twombly's work became a testament to his belief that "Modern Art isn't dislocated, but something with roots, tradition, and continuity." His pieces from this period continued to reflect his assertion that "the past is the source" for all contemporary art, embodying a dialogue with historical narratives while pushing forward the boundaries of abstract expressionism. By integrating textual elements with his abstract vocabulary, Twombly invited viewers into a complex interplay between the visual and the literary, between the immediacy of the natural world and the distance of history​ (Museum of Fine Arts Boston)​. Cy Twombly's work in the 2000s exemplified his remarkable ability to weave together diverse themes and influences, from the landscapes of his two homes in Gaeta and Lexington to his profound engagement with classical antiquity. His work from this period stands as a vibrant part of his enduring legacy, offering viewers a rich, layered experience that transcends time and place.