12.1 Reassessing Abstract Expressionism in Art History
3 min read•july 18, 2024
sparked heated debates in the art world. Initially praised for its originality, it later faced criticism for its male-dominated narrative and alleged ties to Cold War politics.
Today, we're reexamining Abstract Expressionism through new lenses. Feminist and postcolonial perspectives are shedding light on overlooked artists and influences, reshaping our understanding of this pivotal movement.
Historical Context and Critical Reception
Critical reception of Abstract Expressionism
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Women of Abstract Expressionism View original
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- Initial reception in the 1940s and 1950s
- Praised for originality, , break from traditional art forms
- Seen as uniquely American art movement reflecting post-war optimism, individualism
- Supported by influential art critics (, )
- Challenges to Abstract Expressionism in the 1960s and 1970s
- Emergence of Pop Art, Minimalism, Conceptual Art questioned relevance
- Feminist art historians critiqued male-dominated narrative
- Postmodernist theories challenged notions of originality, singular artistic genius
- Reappraisal and legacy from the 1980s to the present
- Renewed interest in technical, formal aspects of Abstract Expressionist works
- Recognition of movement's global influence, impact on contemporary art practices
- Increased attention to contributions of women, artists of color within the movement
Revisionist Perspectives and Contemporary Interpretations
Revisionist perspectives on Abstract Expressionism
- Feminist art history
- Challenged male-dominated narrative of Abstract Expressionism
- Highlighted contributions, experiences of women artists (, , )
- Examined gender politics, power dynamics within Abstract Expressionist circle
- Postcolonial and global art history
- Explored influence of non-Western art, culture on Abstract Expressionist artists
- Investigated movement's reception, impact in countries outside the United States
- Challenged notion of Abstract Expressionism as purely American art movement
- Social and political context
- Examined relationship between Abstract Expressionism and , including CIA's promotion of movement as symbol of American freedom
- Analyzed impact of , on Abstract Expressionist artists and their work
- Considered role of Abstract Expressionism in shaping American cultural identity, soft power
Identity in Abstract Expressionism interpretations
- Gender and feminist perspectives
- Reevaluation of experiences, contributions of women Abstract Expressionist artists
- Examination of gender-based obstacles, discrimination faced by women artists within the movement
- Analysis of how gender influenced critical reception, historical narrative of Abstract Expressionism
- Race and ethnicity
- Increased recognition of contributions of African American Abstract Expressionist artists (, )
- Exploration of how race, ethnicity shaped experiences, artistic practices of Abstract Expressionist artists
- Examination of intersection of Abstract Expressionism with Civil Rights Movement, other social justice struggles
- Identity and personal experiences
- Consideration of role of individual artists' backgrounds, experiences, identities in shaping artistic practices, philosophies
- Analysis of how personal trauma, mental health, addiction influenced work of Abstract Expressionist artists
- Exploration of relationship between Abstract Expressionism and broader cultural, intellectual movements of mid-20th century (existentialism, psychoanalysis)
Influence of Abstract Expressionism in art
- Impact on later art movements
- Influenced development of , Minimalism, Neo-Expressionism
- Shaped discourse around autonomy of artwork, primacy of artistic process
- Contributed to expanding boundaries of what constitutes art, role of the artist
- Place within 20th-century art history
- Significant as pivotal moment in shift from modernism to postmodernism
- Related to earlier avant-garde movements (Surrealism, Dada)
- Impacted globalization of art, rise of international art markets and institutions
- Legacy and contemporary relevance
- Ongoing influence on contemporary art practices (, use of unconventional materials)
- Shaped discourse around relationship between art, politics, identity
- Continued reinterpretation, reevaluation in light of changing social, cultural, historical contexts
Key Terms to Review (30)
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.
Abstract Expressionism: Abstract Expressionism is an art movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation and a focus on expressing emotional experience rather than physical reality. This movement marked a shift in the art world, establishing New York City as a new center for contemporary art, which was previously dominated by Paris.
Action painting: Action painting is a style of abstract expressionism characterized by spontaneous, dynamic brushwork and an emphasis on the physical act of painting itself. This approach not only showcases the artist's gestures but also engages the viewer by conveying emotions and energy through movement and form.
Art as a means of expression: Art as a means of expression refers to the idea that art serves as a vehicle for individuals to convey their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. This concept is deeply intertwined with the role of artists in society and how their works reflect personal and collective narratives. In the context of reassessing Abstract Expressionism, this term highlights how artists utilized abstraction to break free from traditional forms, allowing for a more authentic representation of inner feelings and social commentary.
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.
Cold War Era: The Cold War Era refers to the period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States, along with their respective allies, from the end of World War II in 1945 until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. This era was marked by ideological conflicts, military build-ups, and cultural rivalries, influencing various aspects of society, including art movements like Abstract Expressionism.
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.
Elaine de Kooning: Elaine de Kooning was an influential American painter and prominent figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement, known for her energetic and expressive brushwork. As both an artist and the wife of fellow Abstract Expressionist Willem de Kooning, she navigated the complexities of gender roles within the art world, contributing significantly to discussions around women's place in this male-dominated sphere, the controversies surrounding the movement, and ultimately influencing the reassessment of Abstract Expressionism in art history.
Elaine de kooning: Elaine de Kooning was a prominent American abstract expressionist painter known for her dynamic and expressive works that often explored themes of identity and gender. As a key figure in the New York art scene, she not only contributed to the movement but also challenged traditional gender roles, highlighting the complexities of being a female artist in a male-dominated field. Her unique approach to abstraction and her role as both a creator and commentator make her a significant figure in understanding the evolution of abstract expressionism.
Emotional Intensity: Emotional intensity refers to the profound depth and strong feelings conveyed through artistic expression, particularly evident in Abstract Expressionism. It emphasizes the artist's emotional experience and the connection with the viewer, often using color, form, and gesture to evoke raw, visceral responses. This concept is central to understanding the core motivations behind the movement and how artists aimed to express their inner states through their work.
Formalism vs. Content: Formalism vs. content is a debate in art criticism that focuses on the importance of a work's formal qualities, such as composition, color, and technique, versus its thematic elements and emotional or social messages. In the context of Abstract Expressionism, this discussion helps to reassess the movement's significance in art history by considering whether its value lies more in its aesthetic execution or in the ideas and feelings it conveys.
Gestural Abstraction: Gestural abstraction is an art movement characterized by spontaneous, dynamic brushwork and the physical act of painting, focusing on the artist's gestures as a means of expression. This style embodies the core principles of Abstract Expressionism, where emotion and personal experience take precedence over representational forms.
Gestural abstraction: Gestural abstraction is an art movement characterized by spontaneous, expressive brushwork and an emphasis on the physical act of painting, often reflecting the artist's emotional state. This approach prioritizes gesture and movement over representational accuracy, connecting deeply to personal experience and emotion, which shaped the development of various modern art movements.
Guggenheim Museum Exhibition: The Guggenheim Museum Exhibition refers to the various curated displays held at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, particularly showcasing Abstract Expressionist works. These exhibitions have played a critical role in shaping the understanding and appreciation of this art movement, often highlighting the innovative techniques and ideologies that defined Abstract Expressionism, as well as its place within modern art history.
Hale Woodruff: Hale Woodruff was an influential African American artist and educator known for his contributions to Abstract Expressionism and his efforts to promote African American culture and history through art. His work is significant in reassessing the movement, as it highlights the diversity of artistic voices and perspectives that shaped Abstract Expressionism beyond its predominantly white male narrative.
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.
Jackson Pollock: Jackson Pollock was a pivotal American painter known for his role in the Abstract Expressionism movement, particularly through his innovative drip painting technique. His work reflects key characteristics of the movement, emphasizing spontaneity, the physical act of painting, and an emotional intensity that resonated with the post-World War II cultural landscape.
Joan Mitchell: Joan Mitchell was a prominent American painter and printmaker known for her expressive, abstract works that capture the energy and emotion of the natural world. As a key figure in Abstract Expressionism, she challenged traditional gender roles in the art world, establishing herself as a leading artist despite the male dominance of the movement and influencing later generations of female artists.
Lee Krasner: Lee Krasner was an influential American painter and a prominent figure in the Abstract Expressionism movement, recognized for her pioneering contributions and vibrant, emotive works. As a female artist in a predominantly male-dominated art world, her role challenged traditional gender roles and provided a unique perspective within the movement. Krasner's art, characterized by bold colors and dynamic forms, reflects her personal experiences and the struggles she faced as both an artist and a woman.
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.
McCarthyism: McCarthyism refers to the intense period of anti-communist suspicion and paranoia in the United States during the early 1950s, named after Senator Joseph McCarthy. This era was marked by aggressive investigations and accusations aimed at rooting out alleged communists in government, entertainment, and other sectors of society, often leading to severe repercussions for those accused. The broader cultural and political landscape of this time deeply influenced artistic expressions and movements, including Abstract Expressionism, as artists grappled with themes of identity, freedom, and individualism amidst a climate of fear and repression.
MoMA's 'The New American Painting': MoMA's 'The New American Painting' was a pivotal exhibition held in 1958 that introduced Abstract Expressionism to a European audience and showcased the work of influential American artists. This exhibition was significant in shaping the perception of American art on a global scale, highlighting a shift in modern art and reinforcing the idea that America was at the forefront of contemporary artistic innovation.
Norman Lewis: Norman Lewis was an influential African American painter and a prominent figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement, known for his dynamic, colorful compositions that explored themes of identity and culture. His work challenged traditional notions of abstraction and expanded the narrative of Abstract Expressionism to include diverse voices, particularly those of Black artists, which contributed to ongoing debates about representation in the art world.
Phenomenology: Phenomenology is a philosophical approach that focuses on the study of conscious experience and the meanings individuals derive from their experiences. It emphasizes the subjective perception of reality and how it shapes understanding, often aiming to reveal the essence of experiences through direct engagement with the phenomena themselves. This concept is particularly relevant in the analysis of art, as it encourages deeper exploration of viewers' emotional and psychological responses to artworks.
Post-world war ii america: Post-World War II America refers to the period in the United States following the end of World War II in 1945, characterized by significant social, cultural, and economic transformations. This era saw the rise of Abstract Expressionism, which was influenced by European Modernism, and shaped by the political climate of the Cold War and America's role in global cultural diplomacy.
Red Scare: The Red Scare refers to the period of intense fear of communism and radical leftist ideologies in the United States, particularly during the early to mid-20th century. This fear was fueled by events such as the Russian Revolution and the rise of communist movements worldwide, leading to widespread paranoia, government crackdowns, and social division as many Americans worried about potential subversion within their own country.
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.
Stain painting: Stain painting is a technique in abstract expressionism where artists apply thinned paint directly onto the canvas, allowing the color to soak in rather than sit on the surface. This method creates a translucent quality and emphasizes the physical properties of the paint, inviting viewers to engage with the artwork's texture and color in a new way. Stain painting reflects the broader themes of Abstract Expressionism by prioritizing spontaneity and emotional expression.
The Cold War: The Cold War was a period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States, along with their respective allies, that lasted roughly from 1947 to 1991. It was characterized by a struggle for global influence and ideological dominance, manifesting through political, military, and cultural competition rather than direct armed conflict. The Cold War's impact on the art world was profound, influencing the themes and styles of numerous artists and the way art was critiqued and understood.
The role of the artist: The role of the artist refers to the position and function an artist occupies within society, especially concerning their creative expression and influence on culture. In the context of Abstract Expressionism, artists became seen not just as creators of aesthetically pleasing works, but as individuals who express deep personal and emotional experiences through their art. This shift emphasized the importance of individual vision and subjective experience in art-making, reshaping how society perceives art and the artist's contribution to cultural discourse.