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Nicolas Calas


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Nicolas Calas

Nicolas Calas was a multifaceted figure in the art world, known not only for his own artistic creations but also for his contributions as an art critic and curator. Born in Greece in 1907, he moved to Paris in the 1920s and became involved in the Surrealist movement. He later emigrated to the United States, settling in New York City in 1928. There, he continued to explore Surrealist themes in his artwork, often incorporating elements of Greek mythology and sexuality. In addition to his artistic output, Calas was a prolific writer and critic. He wrote for a variety of publications, including Artforum and The New York Times, and was known for his incisive and often controversial takes on contemporary art. He was also a curator, organizing exhibitions at institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim Museum. Calas's influence on the art world extended beyond his own creations and critical writings. He was a mentor to many younger artists, including Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns, and played a key role in the development of the New York School of Abstract Expressionism. He was also an important figure in the gay rights movement, advocating for greater visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ individuals in the art world and beyond. Overall, Nicolas Calas was a complex and influential figure in the art world, whose contributions as an artist, critic, curator, and activist continue to be felt today.

Nicolas Calas, artist, art critic, curator, Surrealism, Greek mythology, sexuality, Artforum, The New York Times, Museum of Modern Art, Guggenheim Museum, New York School of Abstract Expressionism, LGBTQ rights, Robert Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns

— Steven Thompson

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Nicolas Calas

Nicolas Calas was a Greek-born American artist and an art critic. He arrived in New York City in 1928 and is generally regarded as one of the most important artists of the 20th century. His works often examined the relationship between art and politics, as well as the history of modern art. Among his most famous works are Salute to the French Resistance (1944) and The American Home Front (1946). His essays and reviews appeared in a variety of publications, including the magazine Art Forum and the newspaper The New York Times. His influence on modern art touched the works of many other American artists, including Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Robert Rauschenberg. Nicolas Calas was a significant contributor to the development of the New York School of Abstract Expressionism.

Painting, artwork, Abstract Expressionism, New York School, Nicolas Calas.

— Mei Wang


Nicolas Calas Definition

Nicolas Calas on Design+Encyclopedia

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