11.3 Abstract Expressionism's Influence on Later Art Movements
3 min read•july 18, 2024
Abstract Expressionism left a lasting mark on the art world, inspiring new movements and styles. Its principles of , emotion, and influenced , , and , each adapting these ideas in unique ways.
The movement's impact extended globally, shifting the art world's focus to New York and inspiring artists worldwide. It paved the way for , , and , challenging traditional notions of art and the artist's role.
Legacy of Abstract Expressionism
Adaptations of Abstract Expressionist principles
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- Neo-Expressionism
- Emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s as a reaction to the dominance of minimalism and conceptual art
- Characterized by a return to figurative and expressive painting, drawing inspiration from the emotional intensity and gestural techniques of Abstract Expressionism
- Incorporated elements of graffiti, pop culture, and historical references (Georg Baselitz, Anselm Kiefer, Julian Schnabel)
- Lyrical Abstraction
- Developed in the 1960s and 1970s as a more intimate and personal approach to abstract painting
- Emphasized spontaneity, intuition, and the expressive potential of color and gesture, building upon the legacy of Abstract Expressionism
- Incorporated elements of nature, landscape, and the human figure (Helen Frankenthaler, Robert Motherwell, Sam Francis)
- Color Field Painting
- Emerged in the 1950s and 1960s as a response to the gestural intensity of Abstract Expressionism
- Focused on large areas of flat, solid color, exploring the emotional and spiritual effects of pure color
- Emphasized the monumental scale and immersive quality of the painting, drawing from the innovations of Abstract Expressionism (, Barnett Newman, Clyfford Still)
Impact on modern art
- Established the United States as a major center for avant-garde art in the post-World War II era, challenging the dominance of European modernism
- Shifted the focus of the art world from Paris to New York, marking a significant cultural and historical shift
- Paved the way for the acceptance of abstraction as a valid and significant form of artistic expression, expanding the boundaries of what constitutes art
- Influenced the development of subsequent art movements and styles
- Pop Art: Reacted against the seriousness and introspection of Abstract Expressionism by embracing popular culture and mass media imagery (Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein)
- Minimalism: Rejected the emotional and subjective aspects of Abstract Expressionism in favor of a more reductive and objective approach to art-making (, )
- Conceptual Art: Prioritized the idea or concept behind the artwork over its visual or material properties, challenging the emphasis on the artist's hand and gesture in Abstract Expressionism (, )
- Challenged traditional notions of what constitutes art and the role of the artist, emphasizing the creative process and the individual expression of the artist over the finished product
Global influence of Abstract Expressionism
- Europe
- Influenced artists associated with in France, who explored abstraction and spontaneous gesture (, )
- Inspired the development of , a European variant of Abstract Expressionism that emphasized the physical act of painting (, )
- Impacted the work of German artists such as and , who incorporated elements of Abstract Expressionism into their own abstract styles
- Asia
- Influenced the in Japan, which emphasized spontaneity, performance, and unconventional materials in their art-making (, )
- Inspired the development of modern and contemporary art in China, particularly after the end of the Cultural Revolution (, )
- Impacted the work of Korean artists such as Kim Whan-Ki and , who adapted Abstract Expressionist techniques to their own cultural contexts
- Latin America
- Inspired artists to explore abstraction and gestural painting as a means of expressing political and social concerns (, )
- Contributed to the development of in Brazil, which emphasized the participatory and experiential aspects of art (, )
- Influenced the movement in Argentina, which sought to break free from traditional artistic conventions through spontaneous and intuitive creation (, )
Key Terms to Review (44)
9th Street Show: The 9th Street Show was an influential art exhibition held in New York City in 1951 that showcased the works of a group of Abstract Expressionist artists. This exhibition marked a pivotal moment in the rise of Abstract Expressionism, providing a platform for artists like Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Franz Kline to present their work outside traditional gallery spaces, connecting the movement to European Modernism and sparking significant debates about the nature of art.
Aesthetic experience: Aesthetic experience refers to a deep, personal engagement with an artwork that evokes emotional responses and a sense of beauty or sublime. This experience often transcends mere observation, allowing viewers to connect with the artwork on a profound level, eliciting feelings of awe, contemplation, and introspection. It's particularly relevant in discussions of art that challenge conventional forms and invite individual interpretation.
Alberto Greco: Alberto Greco was an Argentine artist known for his pioneering work in the realm of performance art and his unique approach to the concept of 'living art.' He created interactive works that blurred the boundaries between art and life, significantly influencing later art movements by challenging traditional definitions and encouraging audience participation.
Art as expression: Art as expression refers to the idea that art serves as a means for individuals to convey their emotions, thoughts, and experiences through creative forms. This concept emphasizes the importance of personal feelings and subjective interpretations in the creation and appreciation of art, where the artist's inner world is manifested in their work. It highlights how artists communicate complex ideas and emotions that might be difficult to articulate through words alone.
Art informel: Art informel is a term used to describe an informal and spontaneous approach to art that emerged in the 1940s and 1950s, characterized by an emphasis on gesture, materiality, and the subconscious. This style often rejects traditional artistic techniques and formal structures, focusing instead on the artist's emotional expression and the physical properties of the materials used. It plays a significant role in the evolution of Abstract Expressionism and influences later art movements that seek to break free from conventions.
Atsuko Tanaka: Atsuko Tanaka was a pioneering Japanese artist known for her significant contributions to the field of avant-garde art, particularly in the context of performance and installation art. She gained recognition for her innovative use of electric light and sound, merging traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern technology, which helped expand the boundaries of abstract expressionism and influenced later movements in contemporary art.
Chu teh-chun: Chu Teh-Chun was a Chinese-French painter known for his contributions to abstract expressionism and his ability to blend Eastern and Western artistic traditions. His work often reflects the fusion of Chinese landscape aesthetics with abstract forms, showcasing a unique perspective that influenced later art movements and highlighted the global dialogue in modern art.
Clement Greenberg: Clement Greenberg was a prominent American art critic known for his influential writings on modern art, particularly Abstract Expressionism. He advocated for the idea that the best art emphasizes the medium's properties, promoting a formalist approach that shaped the understanding of many artists and movements during the mid-20th century.
Color field painting: Color field painting is a style of abstract painting that emerged in the 1940s and 1950s, characterized by large areas of solid color and an emphasis on the emotional and spiritual resonance of color. This approach seeks to evoke feelings and ideas through the sheer presence of color on the canvas, often utilizing expansive fields that engage the viewer’s perception and experience.
Conceptual art: Conceptual art is an art movement where the idea or concept behind the artwork is more important than the finished product. This approach challenges traditional notions of art by prioritizing ideas, experiences, and social commentary over aesthetic value or craftsmanship, often leading to new forms of expression and communication in the art world.
Dan Flavin: Dan Flavin was an American minimalist artist known for his innovative use of fluorescent light in art, transforming simple, industrial materials into compelling works that explored space, color, and perception. His work is pivotal in understanding the transition from Abstract Expressionism to Minimalism, as he sought to create art that was more about the experience of light and space rather than emotional expression.
Donald Judd: Donald Judd was an influential American artist and designer known for his role in the Minimalist movement, particularly during the mid-20th century. He is recognized for his emphasis on geometric forms, industrial materials, and the idea of art as a physical presence in space, which served as a reaction against the emotional intensity and spontaneity of Abstract Expressionism. His work encourages viewers to engage with the spatial relationship between the artwork and its environment, reinforcing a shift towards simplicity and objectivity in art.
Emil Schumacher: Emil Schumacher was a German painter known for his dynamic and expressive abstract works that emerged in the post-World War II era. His art reflects the principles of Abstract Expressionism, characterized by the use of texture, color, and form to convey emotion and movement, marking a significant influence on later art movements, particularly within the European context.
Georges Mathieu: Georges Mathieu was a French painter and a prominent figure in the Abstract Expressionism movement, known for his vigorous brushwork and dynamic compositions. He played a significant role in shaping the movement's aesthetics and philosophies, influencing the direction of later art movements like Tachisme and Art Informel through his emphasis on spontaneity and emotional expression.
Gestural Painting: Gestural painting is an expressive style of art characterized by dynamic, energetic brushstrokes and a focus on the physical act of painting. This technique emphasizes the artist's movements and emotions, often revealing the subconscious impulses behind the artwork. It connects to concepts like spontaneity and instinct, reflecting the artist’s immediate experience rather than a predetermined composition.
Gutai Group: The Gutai Group was an avant-garde art movement founded in Japan in 1954, emphasizing experimental practices and the integration of art and life. This group is significant for its innovative approaches to painting, sculpture, and performance, which challenged traditional boundaries and resonated with the principles of Abstract Expressionism. Their work is characterized by a focus on spontaneity, the process of creation, and the use of unconventional materials, influencing later movements in contemporary art.
Ha Chong-Hyun: Ha Chong-Hyun is a prominent South Korean artist known for his innovative contributions to the Dansaekhwa movement, which emphasizes a meditative approach to abstraction and materiality. His work is characterized by the use of monochromatic colors and textures, often created through a unique layering technique that integrates paint and canvas in a way that challenges traditional notions of painting. Ha's influence reflects a significant connection to Abstract Expressionism, particularly in his focus on process and the expressive potential of materials.
Ha Chong-hyun: Ha Chong-hyun is a prominent South Korean artist known for his innovative approach to painting, particularly within the context of monochrome art and the Dansaekhwa movement. His works often explore the physicality of paint and the interaction between the artist and the medium, drawing inspiration from both Abstract Expressionism and traditional Korean aesthetics.
Hans Hartung: Hans Hartung was a German-French abstract painter known for his expressive use of line and color, and he played a significant role in the development of Abstract Expressionism. His work features dynamic brushstrokes, often emphasizing the act of painting itself, which embodies the movement's core principles of spontaneity and emotional intensity. Hartung's innovative techniques and materials influenced many later artists, solidifying his importance in the context of Abstract Expressionism's impact on subsequent art movements.
Harold Rosenberg: Harold Rosenberg was an influential American art critic known for his writings on Abstract Expressionism, particularly his concept of the 'action painting.' He played a crucial role in shaping the understanding and appreciation of this art movement during the mid-20th century, emphasizing the artist's process and the psychological experience of creating art.
Hélio Oiticica: Hélio Oiticica was a Brazilian artist known for his innovative work that bridged the gap between Abstract Expressionism and later movements like Neo-Concrete art. His focus on participatory experiences and the exploration of color and form set the stage for artists who followed, allowing them to challenge traditional boundaries of art and engage viewers in new ways. Oiticica's approach emphasized the importance of space and interaction, reshaping how art was perceived and experienced in a broader cultural context.
Informalismo: Informalismo refers to an art movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, primarily in Spain and Latin America, characterized by an emphasis on spontaneity, informal techniques, and a departure from traditional forms of representation. It is often linked to Abstract Expressionism, as both movements value the emotional expression of the artist and prioritize the act of creation over the final product.
Jean Fautrier: Jean Fautrier was a French painter and sculptor known for his pioneering contributions to the art movement of Informel, which laid important groundwork for Abstract Expressionism. His work, characterized by textured surfaces and emotive forms, emphasizes the expression of inner feelings and the subconscious, connecting deeply with themes of existence, trauma, and the human condition. Fautrier's artistic innovations significantly influenced later movements, including Tachisme and Art Brut, showcasing the emotional intensity that became central in Abstract Expressionism.
Joseph Kosuth: Joseph Kosuth is an influential American artist known for his role in conceptual art, particularly through his work that emphasizes the idea behind the art rather than the physical object itself. His exploration of language, meaning, and perception has had a significant impact on the evolution of art movements following Abstract Expressionism, contributing to a shift towards intellectual engagement in art.
K.o. götz: K.O. Götz was a significant figure in the Abstract Expressionism movement, known for his innovative use of materials and techniques that expanded the boundaries of traditional painting. His work reflected the spontaneous and gestural qualities characteristic of Abstract Expressionism, while also exploring new forms and ideas that influenced later art movements, particularly in the context of post-war art in Germany.
Kazuo Shiraga: Kazuo Shiraga was a Japanese painter and a prominent member of the Gutai Art Association, known for his radical approach to painting that emphasized physical engagement with the canvas. His work is characterized by the use of his feet to create dynamic, gestural strokes, which challenged traditional methods of painting and highlighted the relationship between the artist and their medium. Shiraga's innovative techniques and emphasis on performance art significantly influenced the evolution of Abstract Expressionism and its impact on subsequent art movements.
Kenneth Kemble: Kenneth Kemble was an Argentine painter known for his association with the Abstract Expressionist movement during the mid-20th century. His work is characterized by a spontaneous and energetic approach to painting, often utilizing bold colors and dynamic forms that echo the essence of Abstract Expressionism, influencing later movements such as Neo-Expressionism and Color Field painting.
Kim Whanki: Kim Whanki was a prominent South Korean artist known for his abstract painting that blends traditional Korean aesthetics with modern abstract expressionism. His work often features vibrant colors and unique textures, showcasing a deep connection to nature and spirituality. As a key figure in the development of Asian modern art, his style reflects the influence of Abstract Expressionism while also paving the way for future movements in contemporary art.
Lygia Clark: Lygia Clark was a Brazilian artist known for her innovative contributions to art and her exploration of the relationship between the artwork and the viewer. Her work is significant in the context of Abstract Expressionism's influence on later art movements, as she sought to break down traditional boundaries between art and life through interactive and participatory experiences. This approach has resonated with later artists who emphasize viewer engagement and the physicality of art.
Lyrical Abstraction: Lyrical abstraction refers to a style of abstract painting that emphasizes spontaneity, emotional expression, and the physical act of painting itself. It emerged as a response to the more rigid forms of geometric abstraction, prioritizing individual expression and the artist's unique gestures, often resulting in vibrant colors and fluid forms. This approach connects deeply with the broader themes of Abstract Expressionism, where artists sought to convey personal emotion and subjective experience.
Mark Rothko: Mark Rothko was an American painter known for his large-scale color field paintings that evoke emotional and spiritual responses. His work is central to the Abstract Expressionist movement, particularly in its exploration of color, light, and the human experience.
Minimalism: Minimalism is an art movement that emerged in the late 1950s and emphasizes simplicity, focusing on basic geometric forms and a limited color palette. This movement was a reaction against the expressive nature of Abstract Expressionism, seeking to reduce art to its essential elements and often emphasizing the physical properties of the materials used.
Museum of Modern Art: The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a renowned art museum located in New York City, established in 1929, that plays a pivotal role in the promotion and preservation of modern and contemporary art. It has been influential in shaping public perception of modern art, serving as a cultural hub that showcases significant movements, artists, and innovations, particularly during the rise of New York as a leading art center and the emergence of Abstract Expressionism.
Neo-Concretism: Neo-Concretism is an art movement that emerged in Brazil in the late 1950s, characterized by a focus on geometric abstraction and the engagement of the viewer with the artwork. It arose as a response to earlier Concrete Art, emphasizing the experiential relationship between the artwork and its audience, often incorporating elements of perception and interaction. Neo-Concretism sought to break down the boundaries between art and life, influencing later movements through its innovative approach to form and space.
Neo-expressionism: Neo-expressionism is an art movement that emerged in the late 1970s and gained prominence during the 1980s, characterized by a return to expressive, figurative forms and emotional intensity in painting and sculpture. This movement was heavily influenced by Abstract Expressionism, as artists sought to convey personal narratives and emotional experiences through bold colors, exaggerated forms, and dynamic brushwork, often reacting against the conceptual and minimalist art of the preceding decades.
Orange, red, yellow: Orange, red, and yellow refer to vibrant colors that play a significant role in the visual language of Abstract Expressionism. These colors evoke strong emotions and are often used to express feelings of warmth, energy, and intensity. In the context of later art movements influenced by Abstract Expressionism, the use of these colors can symbolize the shift towards more expressive, emotional forms of representation in art.
Pierre Soulages: Pierre Soulages is a French painter and sculptor, known for his unique approach to abstract expressionism and his exploration of the properties of black paint. His work emphasizes texture and light, making him a significant figure in the evolution of post-World War II art movements, particularly in how they expanded upon the foundations set by earlier abstract expressionists.
Pop Art: Pop Art is an art movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by its focus on popular culture and mass media imagery. This movement celebrated everyday objects, commercial products, and icons from advertising and comic books, often blurring the lines between high art and low culture. By doing so, it reflected the changing dynamics of society, especially in the context of consumerism and the rise of mass communication.
Roberto Matta: Roberto Matta was a Chilean painter and sculptor known for his vibrant works that blend abstract expressionism and surrealism. His unique style was characterized by dream-like imagery and complex compositions, which often explored themes of existentialism, human experience, and the subconscious. Matta's work significantly influenced later art movements, particularly in the realms of neo-surrealism and abstract expressionism, making him a key figure in the transition between these styles.
Rufino Tamayo: Rufino Tamayo was a prominent Mexican painter known for his unique blend of modernism and indigenous themes, which gained recognition in the mid-20th century. His work is characterized by bold colors, abstract forms, and an emphasis on Mexican culture, making him a significant figure in the context of Abstract Expressionism's influence on later art movements.
Sol LeWitt: Sol LeWitt was an influential American artist known for his role in the development of Conceptual Art and Minimalism, particularly through his innovative wall drawings and structures. He emphasized the idea behind the artwork rather than the final product, connecting his work to the principles of Abstract Expressionism by shifting focus from individual expression to systematic and conceptual processes.
Spontaneity: Spontaneity in Abstract Expressionism refers to the instinctual and unplanned approach artists take during the creative process, where the act of painting becomes an immediate expression of emotion and thought. This characteristic reflects a break from traditional techniques, embracing the raw and intuitive aspects of artistic creation.
Tachisme: Tachisme is an art movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by its emphasis on spontaneous and instinctual painting techniques, often using thick applications of paint and bold colors. It is often viewed as a branch of Abstract Expressionism, prioritizing the expressive qualities of paint over representational forms. This movement aimed to liberate art from traditional constraints, allowing for emotional and physical expression through gestural brushstrokes and dynamic compositions.
Zao Wou-Ki: Zao Wou-Ki was a prominent Chinese-French painter known for his abstract expressionist works that blend Eastern and Western artistic traditions. His unique style, characterized by spontaneous brushwork and a harmonious use of color, reflects the influence of Abstract Expressionism while also drawing on traditional Chinese painting techniques. Zao's work has played a significant role in shaping contemporary art, particularly in how it bridges cultural divides and incorporates diverse artistic practices.