The French/Polish artist Pierre Klossowski (who died only six years ago, in 2001) is one of the more neglected figures in the world of modern arts and letters. A writer, scholar, translator, artist and unashamedly depraved intellectual, Klossowski freely explored sexual themes in his work, never flinching from perversions or sexual ambiguities.
Klossowski published several important books, including masterworks on the Marquis de Sade and Frederick Nietzsche, as well as translations of Wittgenstein and Heidegger. Klossowski's later reputation was slightly obscured by the huge success of his younger and more artistically accomplished brother, Balthazar Klossowski, known as Balthus, whose extraordinary paintings of naked youngsters have shocked and titillated the art-going public for decades.
Unlike his younger brother, Pierre Klossowski's genius extended into numerous realms. His artwork is, arguably, not as achieved as Balthus', as this Google search shows.
On the other hand, Pierre was not fixated on young girls. The elder Klossowski illustrated his novels with images of sadomasochists, fetishists, homosexuals, bisexuals and androgynes at play - and that's why he's my choice for today's afternoon show. To learn more about him, scroll down to the end of the artworks for my hand-picked choice of the best links on Pierre Klossowski.
I found one statue attributed to him. Whether it was by him or in homage to him, I am not certain.
Another version:
Recommended Links:An excellent essay on Klossowski by a French art historian.
An informative review of a biography of Klossowski
Klossowki's obituary, on Art Forum, which discusses both his work and that of his more famous brother, Balthus.
Et pourquoi pas? Klossowski, en francais, chez Gallimard.
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