Lincoln Kirstein

Lincoln Kirstein was a renowned American art critic, writer, and impresario who played a pivotal role in shaping the New York City art scene. He was a close friend and collaborator of George Balanchine, with whom he co-founded the School of American Ballet and the New York City Ballet. Kirstein's work was heavily influenced by his relationships with prominent figures such as Pavel Tchelitchew, Glenway Wescott, and Mondrian. His contributions to the world of ballet and modern art are still celebrated today, with institutions like the Museum of Modern Art and the New York Public Library housing extensive collections of his work.

● Early Life and Education

Kirstein was born in Rochester, New York, to a family of Jewish descent, and spent his early years in Boston, where he developed a passion for art and literature. He attended Harvard University, where he studied fine arts and literature, and became acquainted with notable figures such as E.E. Cummings and T.S. Eliot. During his time at Harvard, Kirstein was heavily influenced by the works of Marcel Duchamp, Constantin Brancusi, and Henri Matisse, which would later shape his own artistic vision. He also developed a strong interest in ballet, particularly the works of Serge Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes.

● Career

Kirstein's career as an art critic and writer began in the 1920s, during which time he wrote for various publications, including The Nation and The New Republic. He was also a frequent contributor to Partisan Review, a literary magazine founded by Philip Rahv and William Phillips. Kirstein's writings often explored the intersection of art and politics, and he was particularly drawn to the works of left-wing artists such as Diego Rivera and José Clemente Orozco. In the 1930s, Kirstein became involved with the Federal Theatre Project, a New Deal program established by Franklin D. Roosevelt to promote theater and arts education.

● New York City Ballet

In 1934, Kirstein co-founded the School of American Ballet with George Balanchine, with the goal of creating a uniquely American style of ballet. The school's early years were marked by collaborations with notable choreographers such as Jerome Robbins and Leonide Massine. In 1948, Kirstein and Balanchine co-founded the New York City Ballet, which would go on to become one of the most renowned ballet companies in the world. The company's early repertoire included works such as Balanchine's Serenade and Symphony in C, as well as Robbins's The Cage and Afternoon of a Faun. Kirstein's work with the New York City Ballet was heavily influenced by his relationships with dancers such as Tanaquil Le Clercq and Jacques d'Amboise.

● Writings and Legacy

Kirstein was a prolific writer and art critic, and his writings often explored the intersection of art and society. He was particularly drawn to the works of modernist artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and René Magritte. Kirstein's own artistic vision was shaped by his relationships with prominent figures such as Alfred Stieglitz and Georgia O'Keeffe. His legacy continues to be celebrated today, with institutions like the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Guggenheim Museum housing extensive collections of his work. Kirstein's contributions to the world of ballet and modern art have been recognized with numerous awards, including the National Medal of Arts and the Kennedy Center Honors.

● Personal Life

Kirstein's personal life was marked by his relationships with prominent figures such as Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, whom he met during a trip to Cuba in the 1960s. He was also a close friend and confidant of Andy Warhol, with whom he collaborated on various art projects. Kirstein's later years were spent in New York City, where he continued to work as an art critic and writer until his death in 1996. His legacy continues to be celebrated today, with institutions like the Library of Congress and the Archives of American Art housing extensive collections of his work. Kirstein's contributions to the world of ballet and modern art remain unparalleled, and his influence can still be seen in the work of artists and dancers such as Twyla Tharp and Mark Morris. Category:American art critics