Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Two Paintings by Gustav Klimt" by Jorie Graham is a deeply reflective poem that interweaves themes of beauty, imperfection, mortality, and the moral complexities of existence. By juxtaposing natural imagery with references to Klimt's art, Graham creates a rich tapestry that explores the nuances of human experience and the intersections of art and reality.

The poem opens with an observation about the deceptive nature of beauty: "Although what glitters / on the trees, / row after perfect row, / is merely / the injustice / of the world." The glistening trees symbolize both the allure and the inherent unfairness of the world. The "chips on the bark of each / beech tree / catching the light" represent the imperfections that collectively form what is perceived as beautiful. This "body of flaws" underscores the idea that beauty is intertwined with imperfection and that humanity's beauty lies in its flaws.

Graham reflects on the perspective of the dead, suggesting that they would cherish the opportunity to experience the physical world once more: "The dead / would give anything / I’m sure, / to step again onto / the leafrot, / into the avenue of mottled shadows." This longing highlights the preciousness of life and the simple, often overlooked details that constitute it. The dead, existing in a "sheer / open parenthesis," would yearn for tangible, stable things that provide support in the ever-shifting landscape of life.

The poem delves into the moral nature of the world, portraying right and wrong as fluid, almost tangible entities: "for right and wrong like pools / of shadow / and light you can step in / and out of." This metaphor captures the ambiguous and often interchangeable nature of morality, especially within the context of a specific time and place—here, a beech forest in Germany during the late twentieth century.

Graham transitions to discussing the power of art and its ability to reflect and transform reality: "To receive the light / and return it / and stand in rows, anonymous, / is a sweet secret / even the air wishes / it could unlock." The anonymity and collective beauty of the trees parallel the way art captures and radiates light, creating a dialogue between nature and human creativity.

The poem then shifts to a more direct discussion of Klimt's art, particularly an incomplete painting found in his studio after his sudden death: "They say when Klimt / died suddenly / a painting, still / incomplete, / was found in his studio." This painting features a woman's body in a provocative, unfinished state, with Klimt beginning to paint a delicate garment over her: "Slowly, / feathery, / he had begun to paint / a delicate / garment (his trademark) / over this mouth / of her body."

The contrast between the explicit detail of the woman's body and the genteel expression on her face reflects the duality of human nature and experience. The woman's "genteel, bored" face, "feigning a need / for sleep," juxtaposes the raw, exposed vulnerability of her body. This duality is a central theme in Klimt's work, where surface beauty often masks deeper, more complex realities.

Graham draws a parallel between the painting and the natural world, specifically the beech trees: "The fabric / defines the surface, / the story, / so we are drawn to it, / its blues / and yellows glittering / like a stand / of beech trees late / one afternoon / in Germany, in fall." This comparison reinforces the idea that beauty and meaning in art and nature are intertwined and that both can reflect deeper truths about the human condition.

The poem concludes with a reflection on the nature of pleasure and its connection to art: "In / the finished painting / the argument / has something to do / with pleasure." This ending suggests that despite the complexities and imperfections of life, art seeks to capture and convey moments of pleasure and beauty, offering a counterbalance to the injustices and imperfections that pervade existence.

"Two Paintings by Gustav Klimt" by Jorie Graham masterfully explores the intricate relationship between art, beauty, and human experience. Through rich imagery and thoughtful reflection, the poem invites readers to consider the layers of meaning in both the natural world and artistic expression, highlighting the enduring power of beauty and the complexities of moral and aesthetic judgments.

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