🎨American Art – 1865 to 1968 Unit 11 – Abstract Expressionism: NYC's Artistic Revolution

What's the Big Deal?

• Abstract Expressionism emerged as a major art movement in post-World War II America, particularly in New York City
• Represented a significant shift from traditional representational art to non-objective, emotionally charged paintings
• Emphasized spontaneous, gestural brushwork and the expressive potential of color and form
• Reflected the artists' inner thoughts, feelings, and subconscious impulses rather than depicting recognizable subjects
• Established New York City as the new center of the art world, taking over from Paris
• Influenced by Surrealism, particularly the idea of automatic drawing and tapping into the subconscious mind
• Coincided with the rise of American power and influence on the global stage following World War II
• Became synonymous with American art and exemplified the country's newfound cultural confidence

Key Players and Their Styles

• Jackson Pollock: Known for his drip paintings, which involved spontaneously pouring and splattering paint onto large canvases laid on the floor
  • Developed the "all-over" composition, where the entire surface is treated with equal importance
• Willem de Kooning: Famous for his energetic, gestural paintings, particularly his "Women" series
  • Combined abstract and figurative elements, often distorting and deconstructing the female form
• Mark Rothko: Created large, color field paintings featuring rectangular blocks of color that seemed to float on the canvas
  • Aimed to evoke deep emotional responses from viewers through the use of color and scale
• Franz Kline: Known for his large-scale, black-and-white paintings featuring bold, gestural brushstrokes
  • Drew inspiration from Japanese calligraphy and aimed to capture the essence of the subject through abstract forms
• Lee Krasner: Developed a unique style that combined gestural brushwork with a keen sense of composition and color
  • Her "Little Image" paintings featured dense, intricate patterns of abstract forms
• Robert Motherwell: Known for his "Elegy to the Spanish Republic" series, which featured large, black forms against white backgrounds
  • Used abstract shapes and colors to convey political and emotional themes
• Helen Frankenthaler: Pioneered the "soak-stain" technique, pouring thinned paint directly onto unprimed canvas
  • Created luminous, color-saturated works that emphasized the flatness of the picture plane

Techniques and Materials

• Action painting: A term coined by critic Harold Rosenberg to describe the physical, gestural process of painting employed by artists like Pollock and de Kooning
  • Emphasized the act of painting itself as a form of expression, rather than focusing on the final product
• Color field painting: A style characterized by large areas of flat, solid color that dominated the canvas
  • Artists like Rothko and Newman used color to create immersive, emotional experiences for the viewer
• Drip painting: A technique pioneered by Jackson Pollock, which involved spontaneously dripping, pouring, and splattering paint onto a canvas laid on the floor
  • Allowed for a greater degree of chance and spontaneity in the creative process
• All-over composition: A compositional approach where the entire surface of the canvas is treated with equal importance
  • Eliminated traditional notions of hierarchy and focal points within the painting
• Large-scale canvases: Abstract Expressionists often worked on monumental canvases that engulfed the viewer's field of vision
  • The scale of the paintings was intended to create an immersive, emotional experience
• Unconventional materials: Artists experimented with various paints, including house paint and industrial enamels, as well as unconventional tools like sticks, trowels, and knives
  • This experimentation allowed for new textures, colors, and effects in their paintings
• Emphasis on the act of painting: Many Abstract Expressionists prioritized the physical process of painting, often working spontaneously and intuitively
  • The resulting works were seen as direct expressions of the artist's inner thoughts and emotions

Historical Context

• Post-World War II America: Abstract Expressionism emerged in the aftermath of World War II, as the United States experienced a period of economic growth and cultural change
  • Artists grappled with the trauma of the war and the existential questions it raised about the human condition
• Cold War tensions: The movement developed against the backdrop of the Cold War, with the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in a ideological and political rivalry
  • Abstract Expressionism was seen by some as a symbol of American freedom and individualism in contrast to Soviet collectivism
• Rise of New York City as an art center: The influx of European artists fleeing Nazi persecution during World War II helped establish New York City as a major art center
  • Galleries and museums, such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), played a crucial role in promoting Abstract Expressionism
• Influence of Surrealism: Many Abstract Expressionists were influenced by the Surrealist idea of automatism, which emphasized spontaneous, subconscious creation
  • Artists like Pollock and Gorky incorporated elements of Surrealism into their early works before developing their signature styles
• Rejection of traditional art forms: Abstract Expressionists rejected traditional notions of representational art and sought to create a purely abstract visual language
  • This rejection was seen as a response to the rapidly changing, uncertain world of the post-war era
• Existentialism and individualism: The movement was influenced by existentialist philosophy, which emphasized individual experience and the search for meaning in a chaotic world
  • Abstract Expressionist works were seen as expressions of the artist's inner self and unique vision
• Government support for the arts: The United States government, through programs like the Federal Art Project, provided financial support for artists during the Great Depression and World War II
  • This support helped lay the foundation for the emergence of Abstract Expressionism in the post-war period

Major Works and Where to Find Them

• Jackson Pollock's "Number 1, 1948" (1948) - The Museum of Modern Art, New York
  • One of Pollock's most famous drip paintings, showcasing his signature style and all-over composition
• Willem de Kooning's "Woman I" (1950-1952) - The Museum of Modern Art, New York
  • A seminal work in de Kooning's "Women" series, combining abstract and figurative elements in a dynamic, gestural composition
• Mark Rothko's "No. 61 (Rust and Blue)" (1953) - The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles
  • An iconic example of Rothko's color field paintings, featuring large, luminous rectangles of color that seem to float on the canvas
• Franz Kline's "Painting Number 2" (1954) - The Museum of Modern Art, New York
  • A large-scale, black-and-white painting showcasing Kline's bold, gestural brushstrokes and abstract compositions
• Lee Krasner's "The Seasons" (1957) - Whitney Museum of American Art, New York
  • A monumental work combining Krasner's gestural brushwork with a strong sense of rhythm and movement
• Robert Motherwell's "Elegy to the Spanish Republic No. 34" (1953-1954) - The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
  • Part of Motherwell's famous series, this painting features large, black forms against a white background, evoking themes of loss and political struggle
• Helen Frankenthaler's "Mountains and Sea" (1952) - National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
  • A seminal work in the development of color field painting, showcasing Frankenthaler's innovative soak-stain technique
• Barnett Newman's "Vir Heroicus Sublimis" (1950-1951) - The Museum of Modern Art, New York
  • A monumental color field painting featuring a large, red field interrupted by thin, vertical "zips" of contrasting color
• Clyfford Still's "1957-D No. 1" (1957) - Clyfford Still Museum, Denver
  • An example of Still's large-scale, abstract paintings characterized by jagged, vertical forms and a limited color palette
• Ad Reinhardt's "Abstract Painting, Blue" (1952) - The Museum of Modern Art, New York
  • Part of Reinhardt's series of monochromatic paintings, exploring the subtle variations of a single color and the nature of pure abstraction

Impact on Later Art Movements

• Color Field Painting: Abstract Expressionism's emphasis on large areas of flat, solid color directly influenced the development of Color Field Painting in the 1950s and 1960s
  • Artists like Helen Frankenthaler and Morris Louis further explored the expressive potential of color and the soak-stain technique
• Neo-Expressionism: The gestural, emotionally charged approach of Abstract Expressionism found renewed interest in the Neo-Expressionist movement of the late 1970s and 1980s
  • Artists like Julian Schnabel and Jean-Michel Basquiat incorporated elements of Abstract Expressionism into their figurative, often autobiographical works
• Minimalism: While seemingly opposed to the emotional intensity of Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism's emphasis on simplicity and the viewer's experience can be seen as a reaction to the movement
  • Artists like Donald Judd and Dan Flavin sought to create works that were free from personal expression and historical references
• Performance Art: The emphasis on the act of painting and the artist's physical engagement with the canvas in Abstract Expressionism paved the way for the development of Performance Art
  • Artists like Yves Klein and Carolee Schneemann incorporated elements of action painting into their performances and happenings
• Lyrical Abstraction: This movement, which emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, combined the spontaneity and emotional intensity of Abstract Expressionism with a greater emphasis on color and luminosity
  • Artists like Sam Francis and Joan Mitchell created works that were both expressive and visually harmonious
• Street Art: The spontaneous, improvisational approach of Abstract Expressionism can be seen as an influence on the development of Street Art and Graffiti Art
  • Artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring incorporated elements of gestural abstraction into their public, often politically charged works
• Contemporary Abstract Painting: Many contemporary artists continue to draw inspiration from the techniques, styles, and philosophical underpinnings of Abstract Expressionism
  • Artists like Cecily Brown and Mark Bradford combine gestural abstraction with elements of figuration, collage, and social commentary

Critical Reception and Debates

• Initial skepticism: When Abstract Expressionism first emerged, many critics and members of the public were skeptical of its departure from traditional representational art
  • Some viewed the movement as chaotic, self-indulgent, or lacking in skill and discipline
• Clement Greenberg's support: The influential art critic Clement Greenberg became a champion of Abstract Expressionism, particularly the work of Jackson Pollock
  • Greenberg argued that the movement represented the pinnacle of modernist painting, emphasizing the flatness of the picture plane and the purity of the medium
• Harold Rosenberg and "action painting": Another prominent critic, Harold Rosenberg, coined the term "action painting" to describe the work of Abstract Expressionists
  • Rosenberg emphasized the importance of the artist's physical engagement with the canvas and the act of painting itself as a form of expression
• Debate over the role of the artist: Some critics argued that Abstract Expressionism placed too much emphasis on the artist's subjective experience and personal expression
  • Others saw this focus on the individual as a reflection of American values and a rejection of collectivism
• Questions of accessibility: The abstract, non-representational nature of Abstract Expressionist works led some to question their accessibility and relevance to the general public
  • Defenders of the movement argued that the emotional impact and universal themes of the works transcended the need for recognizable subject matter
• Political interpretations: During the Cold War, some saw Abstract Expressionism as a symbol of American freedom and individualism in contrast to Soviet collectivism
  • Others criticized the movement as apolitical or even complicit in U.S. cultural imperialism
• Feminist critiques: Later feminist art historians and critics, such as Linda Nochlin, questioned the masculine rhetoric surrounding Abstract Expressionism and the marginalization of female artists within the movement
  • These critiques helped to shed light on the contributions of artists like Lee Krasner and Joan Mitchell, who had been overshadowed by their male counterparts
• Postmodernist challenges: The rise of Postmodernism in the 1960s and 1970s led to a reassessment of Abstract Expressionism's claims to universality and authenticity
  • Postmodernist artists and theorists challenged the notion of the autonomous, self-expressive artist and the idea of a purely abstract, apolitical art

Legacy and Influence Today

• Continued relevance: Abstract Expressionism remains a significant point of reference for contemporary artists working in a variety of media and styles
  • Its emphasis on spontaneity, emotional expression, and the primacy of the creative process continues to resonate with artists today
• Expansion of the canon: Recent scholarship has sought to expand the canon of Abstract Expressionism to include a more diverse range of artists, including women and artists of color
  • Exhibitions and publications have highlighted the contributions of artists like Norman Lewis, Alma Thomas, and Beauford Delaney
• Influence on contemporary abstraction: Many contemporary abstract painters continue to draw inspiration from the techniques, compositions, and color palettes of Abstract Expressionism
  • Artists like Charline von Heyl and Amy Sillman combine gestural abstraction with elements of figuration, collage, and digital media
• Reinterpretation through new media: Contemporary artists have also reinterpreted the legacy of Abstract Expressionism through the lens of new media and technologies
  • Artists like Wade Guyton and Cory Arcangel have used digital printing and software to create works that engage with the history of abstraction and gesture
• Institutional recognition: Major museums and galleries continue to showcase the works of Abstract Expressionist artists and explore the movement's enduring impact
  • Exhibitions like "Abstract Expressionism" at the Royal Academy of Arts in London (2016-2017) and "Women of Abstract Expressionism" at the Denver Art Museum (2016) have introduced new audiences to the movement
• Market value: Works by leading Abstract Expressionist artists continue to command high prices at auction and are sought after by collectors and institutions worldwide
  • In 2015, a painting by Mark Rothko sold for $82.5 million at Christie's, setting a new auction record for the artist
• Influence on popular culture: The visual language and emotional intensity of Abstract Expressionism have permeated popular culture, from film and television to fashion and design
  • The movement's influence can be seen in everything from the title sequences of TV shows like "Mad Men" to the runway collections of fashion designers like Raf Simons
• Ongoing scholarly interest: Art historians, critics, and scholars continue to study and write about Abstract Expressionism, offering new perspectives on the movement's significance and legacy
  • Recent publications, such as Mary Gabriel's "Ninth Street Women" (2018), have shed new light on the contributions of female artists and the social and political context of the movement