Image Essay #11

This is an image by American postmodern painter Mark Tansey entitled "Triumph of the New York School." In terms of the color selection, the piece is quite obviously monochromatic. The textures are emphasized in the various uniforms and surrounding landscape. The piece looks like a normal military surrender scene upon first inspection, but further review would alter that perception. On the left side of the table is what appears to be a French unit of World War I, while on the right there are clearly American G.I.'s of the Second World War. This, of course, would not be possible in reality because France and the United States never fought. Therefore, for interpretation, the deeper meaning has to be observed.

The "battle" cited in this painting is the rivalry between the art schools of New York and Paris, respectively. There are famous painters of the era within the piece, as well. Andre Breton, the famous surrealist, signs a treaty acknowledging defeat. Clement Greenberg is at his right, suited in the khaki G.I. getup. Behind him are Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Robert Motherwell of the New York school. Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso are also painted into the picture for the French side.

Overall this is a very interesting piece with several layers of meaning applied. It is also a great example of an allegory as discussed in class with the example being Alice in Wonderland. Tansey does a great job in this piece which makes it both gripping and memorable.