3.1 Formation and Key Members of the New York School
5 min read•july 18, 2024
The New York School emerged as a groundbreaking movement in American art during the . Artists like , , and revolutionized painting with their bold, abstract styles and innovative techniques.
These artists shared a commitment to spontaneity, rejection of traditional conventions, and exploration of the subconscious. Their work was influenced by European modernism, Surrealism, and the cultural climate of post-war America, establishing New York as the new center of the art world.
Formation and Key Members of the New York School
Key artists of New York School
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- Jackson Pollock
- Pioneered technique creating all-over compositions with intricate layers and rhythmic patterns (Number 1, 1948)
- Revolutionized the concept of painting as an arena for action and physical engagement with the canvas (Autumn Rhythm (Number 30))
- Iconic works like Blue Poles exemplify his innovative approach to abstraction and the spontaneous creation process
- Willem de Kooning
- Blended figuration and abstraction in his Women series portraying distorted, fragmented female figures with gestural brushwork (Woman I)
- Abstract landscapes like Excavation showcase his dynamic compositions and expressive use of color and form
- Interchange demonstrates his ability to seamlessly merge figurative elements with abstract passages creating a complex visual dialogue
- Mark Rothko
- Created large color field paintings with luminous rectangular forms that evoke a sense of spirituality and contemplation (No. 61 (Rust and Blue))
- Explored the emotional impact of color using subtle gradations and contrasting hues to create immersive experiences (Orange and Yellow)
- Works like Four Darks in Red exemplify his mastery of color and his belief in the transcendental power of abstract art
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- Developed a signature style of bold black-and-white abstractions inspired by Chinese calligraphy and architectural structures (Chief)
- Works like Mahoning showcase his gestural brushstrokes and the dynamic interplay between positive and negative space
- Untitled (1957) demonstrates his ability to create powerful compositions using a minimal palette and spontaneous mark-making
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- Known for his Elegy to the Spanish Republic series which combines abstract forms with political and historical references
- Incorporated collage and a limited color palette in compositions like Beside the Sea exploring the interplay between flat shapes and textured surfaces
- At Five in the Afternoon exemplifies his use of black as a dominant color and his ability to evoke a sense of solemnity and depth
Emergence factors of New York School
- Influx of European artists fleeing Nazi-occupied Europe
- Brought new ideas and influences to the New York art scene introducing avant-garde concepts and techniques (Hans Hofmann, Arshile Gorky)
- Artists like Max Ernst settled in the U.S. contributing to the cross-pollination of Surrealist and Abstract Expressionist ideas
- Post-war disillusionment and search for new forms of expression
- Artists sought to break free from traditional artistic conventions in response to the horrors of World War II
- Explored the subconscious and the spontaneous creation process as a means of expressing their inner emotions and psychological states
- Economic and political dominance of the United States
- New York City emerged as the new center of the art world replacing Paris in the post-war era
- Increased patronage and support for American artists through galleries, museums, and collectors fostering the growth of the New York School
- Influence of Surrealism and Jungian psychology
- Artists drew inspiration from automatic drawing and the exploration of the subconscious as a source of creativity and self-expression
- Emphasis on the individual psyche and personal expression aligned with the Jungian concept of the collective unconscious
Artistic influences on New York School
- Jackson Pollock
- Studied under Thomas Hart Benton learning the principles of rhythmic composition and the use of dynamic lines and forms
- Influenced by Native American sand painting and Mexican muralism incorporating elements of ritual and symbolic imagery
- Willem de Kooning
- Trained in the academic tradition at the Rotterdam Academy of Fine Arts developing a strong foundation in figurative drawing and painting
- Drew inspiration from Cubism, Surrealism, and the work of Arshile Gorky in his exploration of fragmented forms and expressive brushwork
- Mark Rothko
- Studied under Max Weber at the Art Students League in New York absorbing the principles of modernist abstraction and color theory
- Influenced by Nietzsche's philosophy and the work of Henri Matisse in his pursuit of a transcendental art that evokes deep emotional responses
- Franz Kline
- Trained in academic realism at Boston University honing his skills in drawing and composition
- Influenced by Japanese calligraphy and the work of Willem de Kooning in his development of a gestural, black-and-white abstract style
- Robert Motherwell
- Studied philosophy and art history at Stanford and Harvard Universities gaining a deep understanding of the intellectual and historical context of art
- Influenced by the Surrealist concept of and the work of Henri Matisse in his use of collage and his emphasis on the expressive potential of color and form
Shared principles of New York School
- Emphasis on spontaneity and the subconscious
- Believed in the importance of automatic, intuitive creation as a means of tapping into the artist's inner world and emotions
- Sought to express their deepest psychological states and experiences through the act of painting itself (Jackson Pollock's drip technique)
- Rejection of traditional artistic conventions
- Abandoned figurative representation in favor of pure abstraction as a way of breaking free from the constraints of the past
- Challenged the boundaries between art and life by embracing the physicality of the painting process and the use of unconventional materials (Willem de Kooning's inclusion of everyday objects)
- Belief in the autonomy of the artwork
- Viewed the painting as an independent entity, free from external references or narrative content
- Emphasized the flatness of the picture plane and the materiality of the paint itself as the primary subject of the work (Mark Rothko's color field paintings)
- Interest in the sublime and the transcendental
- Sought to evoke a sense of awe, mystery, and spiritual depth through their large-scale, immersive works
- Explored the metaphysical aspects of art and its ability to connect the viewer with a higher realm of experience (Barnett Newman's "zip" paintings)
- Commitment to individualism and personal expression
- Valued the unique vision, style, and creative process of each artist as a fundamental aspect of their work
- Rejected conformity and embraced the diversity of approaches and techniques within the New York School (Franz Kline's gestural abstractions vs. Robert Motherwell's collages)
Key Terms to Review (20)
Automatism: Automatism is a technique used by artists to create works that stem from their subconscious mind, often bypassing deliberate control and conscious thought. This approach encourages spontaneity, resulting in art that reflects the unfiltered emotions and thoughts of the artist, connecting deeply with the principles of Abstract Expressionism, where personal expression and emotional intensity are paramount.
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: The Cold War was a prolonged period of geopolitical tension and rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union from the end of World War II until the early 1990s. It was marked by ideological conflict, military competition, and a struggle for global influence, which significantly impacted various cultural and artistic movements in America, particularly 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.
Drip painting: Drip painting is a technique in which paint is dripped or poured onto a canvas, allowing for spontaneous movement and expression. This method is closely associated with Abstract Expressionism, as it emphasizes the physical act of painting and the artist's emotional experience, highlighting key characteristics such as individuality and abstraction.
Existentialism: Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent or absurd universe. This idea resonates deeply with Abstract Expressionism, as both explore the human condition and the emotional experience, often reflecting themes of isolation and the quest for authenticity.
Franz Kline: Franz Kline was an influential American painter known for his large-scale black-and-white abstract compositions that are iconic to the Abstract Expressionist movement. His work exemplified the shift of the art world’s center from Europe to New York, showcasing bold, gestural brushwork that expressed spontaneity and emotional intensity, connecting deeply with ideas of automatism and action painting.
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: The Guggenheim Museum is a renowned art museum located in New York City, known for its modern and contemporary art collection, as well as its iconic architectural design by Frank Lloyd Wright. The museum has played a pivotal role in promoting and exhibiting Abstract Expressionism, providing a significant platform for artists associated with the New York School during the mid-20th century. Its commitment to contemporary art has established it as a crucial institution for collecting, conserving, and showcasing works from this influential movement.
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.
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.
Post-World War II Era: The post-World War II era refers to the period following the end of World War II in 1945, characterized by significant political, social, and cultural transformations across the globe. This era saw the rise of new artistic movements, such as Abstract Expressionism, particularly in the United States, where artists sought to break free from traditional constraints and express their inner emotions through innovative techniques. The impact of war, economic changes, and shifts in societal values created an environment that fostered the emergence and proliferation of abstract art, reshaping the art market and influencing art collection and conservation practices.
Robert Motherwell: Robert Motherwell was a prominent American painter and one of the leading figures of Abstract Expressionism, known for his bold use of color and form. His work often reflected the influence of automatism, emphasizing the subconscious in artistic expression and showcasing the ideals of the New York School through his innovative techniques and materials.
Stable Gallery Exhibition: A stable gallery exhibition refers to a consistent and often permanent showcase of artworks within a gallery space, designed to highlight specific artists or movements. This type of exhibition fosters a deeper engagement with the art by allowing visitors to experience works over an extended period, creating a connection between the viewer and the art. In the context of the New York School, stable exhibitions played a crucial role in promoting the emerging artists and establishing their place in the art world.
The irascibles: The irascibles were a group of passionate and outspoken artists associated with the New York School who were known for their strong reactions against the traditional art establishment. They emerged in the 1950s as advocates for Abstract Expressionism and sought to redefine modern art, prioritizing personal expression and emotional intensity over conventional techniques. Their collective stance highlighted the tension between innovative artistic practices and conservative critics, influencing the trajectory of contemporary art.
The 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 critical role in the promotion and preservation of modern and contemporary art. MoMA has been instrumental in shaping the public's understanding of modern art movements, including Abstract Expressionism, by showcasing influential works and artists, thus solidifying New York's status as a global art capital after World War II.
The New York School Manifesto: The New York School Manifesto was a key document that articulated the principles and ideologies of the artists associated with the New York School, a group pivotal in the development of Abstract Expressionism in the mid-20th century. This manifesto emphasized individual expression, spontaneity, and the importance of personal experience in creating art, serving as both a rallying point for artists and a declaration of their departure from traditional artistic practices.
Willem de Kooning: Willem de Kooning was a Dutch-American abstract expressionist painter known for his dynamic, gestural painting style and his significant contributions to the development of modern art in the mid-20th century. His work embodies the key principles of Abstract Expressionism, including spontaneity and the exploration of the subconscious, while also reflecting on themes of identity and the human condition.