The Artist’s Muse
written by juliana jimenez
The Ying to the Yang is the comparison that can be used when explaining the deeply complex artist-muse dynamic. The muse in its purest aspect is the relationship of the feminine to the masculine counterpart. A muse ignites the artist, inspiring them to execute a grand idea. Usually, the relationship between the pair is romantic and sexual. The artist-muse relationship goes back for centuries, and the couples below are some of the most powerful examples in history.
Frida Khalo and Diego Rivera
Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera were two Mexican artists who painted each other for 25 years. He was the older maestro, known for bringing back the mural tradition in Mexico. His art gave a visual voice to indigenous Mexican laborers seeking social equality after centuries of colonial oppression. She was the younger, delusional dreamer, who magically created piercing introspection and turned her chronic physical pain into mysterious beauty. Together, they were two of the most important artists of the 20th Century. Looking back today, we are able to gain insight on the artist and muse relationship through their respective work and paintings. Their tumultuous love lives on through their iconic masterpieces.
Source: www.fridakahlo.org
Andy Warhol and Edie Sedgwick
Beautiful, rich, and deeply damaged, Edie Sedgwick was the subject of Andy Warhol’s dreams. Sedgwick was a socialite who moved to New York City aspiring to become a model and actress. Andy was a well known artist who worked in many different forms of media. In 1965, the Pop-art artist moved from painting to film, and made Sedgwick his superstar. She became the leading lady in his underground films, such as, Lupe. As the walking embodiment of his art, Warhol was infatuated by how “beautiful” all her life’s problems were. She even cut her hair to embody Warhol and he indeed saw himself in her.
Source: Pinterest
Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe
Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe arrived in New York City during the late 60s and met coincidentally. The two young aspiring artists had nearly nothing but their love for art and each other. She is a singer, poet, and author, known most for her song, "Because the Night", and book, Just Kids, where she talks about her relationship with Robert. He was a photographer known for gay BDSM, black and white pictures which shook the photography world. No other artist had taken this edge before which at the time gave him a controversial image. Together, they rose to fame and conquered the New York City art scene.
Source: Interview Magazine
The narrative behind the artist-muse relationship is repeated everywhere. The relationship dynamic is formed through lust, longing, and love, the giving and taking of the human experience. Art is inspired by human connection and this dynamic can easily be credited as the inspiration for the greatest work’s in history. Two people being so infatuated and inspired by one another produces tremendous stories of love and all the emotions that come with it, and this is where art thrives. Many artist-muse relationships continue to exist and to be embraced by the art world!
