Great Final Works And Their Impacts

By C. Schall Gontijo

The final work of an artist often carries a profound emotional and cultural impact, as it culminates their artistic and personal journeys. "Last works” encapsulate an artist's legacy in the world of art and provides a sense of closure for both the audience and the artists themselves. In this article, I will be exploring how final art works across art forms serve as powerful goodbyes that can deeply resonate with and engage audiences for decades to come.

One excellent example of an iconic final work is van Gogh's "Wheatfield with Crows”. This artwork is interpreted by many as his final farewell before his tragic death. The dark skies, mysterious crows, and winding paths convey themes of despair. This analysis is potentialized when the audience is aware of the context of the painting and how it can be interpreted as his final statement, which therefore helps to immortalise van Gogh's legacy and brilliance.

In the world of music, we can take David Bowie's Blackstar as an example. His final album was released just days before his death and acted as a deliberate goodbye. His masterful lyricism, visuals, and sound were used creatively to compose a narrative about his legacy. The intention behind the album also reflects his control over his own art and many fans still view it as a parting gift.

In film, we have Hayao Miyazaki's "The Wind Rises". The legendary animator announced this as his last film and the themes of creation, passion, and loss deeply resonated with the audience as a farewell to his mastery in film. The narrative mirrors the creator's own journey, making the film a more impactful final work to audiences all over the world.

Therefore, we can observe some recurring themes in famous artists’ final works. Amidst them we can find legacy, nostalgia, and introspection. The emotional weight behind these works also often helps to captivate the audience long after the artists’ passing. Final works act as a reminder of their brilliance and innovation, creating a deep connection between artist and audience; it is almost as if the final works were personal gifts to the audience, something for people remember them by.
​
As we reflect on some artists’final works and their impact and meaning, let them serve as reminders of the innate connection between creativity and humanity. Let us dive back into these works, not just to honour the artists, but to also find renewed inspiration to express our own stories and journeys.