David Wojnarowicz (1954–1992), Water, 1987. Acrylic, ink, and collaged paper on composition board, 72 × 96 in. (182.9 × 243.8 cm). Second Ward Foundation. Image courtesy the Estate of David Wojnarowicz and P.P.O.W, New York.
Gallery 7
On September 17, 1987, Gracie Mansion Gallery opened an exhibition of Wojnarowicz’s work called The Four Elements. These symbolically and technically dense paintings—allegorical representations of earth, water, fire, and wind—are Wojnarowicz’s take on a theme with a long history in European art. By linking his contemporary moment to a historical subject, he claims a lineage for his work as he suggests the particularity—and particular violence—of his time.
Installation view of David Wojnarowicz: History Keeps Me Awake at Night (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, July 13-September 30, 2018). From left to right: Fire, 1987; Wind (For Peter Hujar), 1987. Photograph by Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Gallery 7
David Wojnarowicz (1954–1992), Water, 1987. Acrylic, ink, and collaged paper on composition board, 72 × 96 in. (182.9 × 243.8 cm). Second Ward Foundation. Image courtesy the Estate of David Wojnarowicz and P.P.O.W, New York.
