🎭Art History II – Renaissance to Modern Era Unit 10 – Abstract Expressionism
Abstract Expressionism emerged in post-World War II America, reflecting the era's anxiety and existential questioning. This movement shifted the art world's center from Paris to New York, emphasizing spontaneous brushwork and non-objective forms on large-scale canvases.
Key artists like Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Mark Rothko pioneered techniques such as action painting and color field painting. Their work challenged traditional notions of art, emphasizing individual expression and the artist's unique vision.
Emerged in the United States following World War II during the 1940s and 1950s
Developed as a response to the horrors of war and the rise of fascism in Europe
Influenced by Surrealism's emphasis on automatism and the subconscious
Reflected the post-war sense of anxiety, trauma, and existential questioning
Coincided with the rise of American economic and political power on the global stage
Marked a shift from Paris to New York City as the center of the art world
Benefited from the support of influential art critics like Clement Greenberg and Harold Rosenberg
Key Artists and Their Works
Jackson Pollock (1912-1956)
"Number 1" (1948)
"Autumn Rhythm (Number 30)" (1950)
"Blue Poles" (1952)
Willem de Kooning (1904-1997)
"Woman I" (1950-1952)
"Excavation" (1950)
"Interchanged" (1955)
Mark Rothko (1903-1970)
"No. 61 (Rust and Blue)" (1953)
"Four Darks in Red" (1958)
"Untitled (Black on Grey)" (1970)
Franz Kline (1910-1962)
"Chief" (1950)
"Nijinsky" (1950)
"Lehigh" (1956)
Barnett Newman (1905-1970)
"Onement I" (1948)
"Vir Heroicus Sublimis" (1950-1951)
"Who's Afraid of Red, Yellow and Blue III" (1967-1968)
Defining Characteristics
Emphasis on spontaneous, gestural brushwork and the physical act of painting
Rejection of representational imagery in favor of non-objective, abstract forms
Large-scale canvases that engulf the viewer and create an immersive experience
Use of color fields, color relationships, and color as a means of evoking emotion
Exploration of the subconscious mind and the expression of inner feelings and emotions
Celebration of individuality, originality, and the unique vision of the artist
Rejection of traditional artistic techniques, hierarchies, and conventions
Techniques and Materials
Action painting or drip painting techniques pioneered by Jackson Pollock
Involved placing the canvas on the floor and applying paint using unconventional tools like sticks, trowels, and knives
Color field painting exemplified by Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman
Focused on creating large, flat areas of color that evoke emotional responses
Use of industrial materials like house paint, alkyd enamels, and raw canvas
Experimentation with the physical properties of paint, such as thickness, viscosity, and texture
Incorporation of accidents, chance, and improvisation into the creative process
Emphasis on the act of painting as a performance or event, often documented through photographs
Philosophical Underpinnings
Influenced by existentialism and the idea that individuals are responsible for creating meaning in a chaotic, absurd world
Drew from Jungian psychology and the concept of the collective unconscious
Embraced the notion of art as a means of self-expression and personal liberation
Rejected the idea of art as a representation of external reality in favor of art as a manifestation of inner experience
Emphasized the importance of authenticity, originality, and the artist's unique vision
Viewed the creative process as a form of meditation, introspection, and self-discovery
Sought to create a new, distinctly American art form that broke free from European traditions
Impact on Art World
Established New York City as the new center of the international art world in the post-war era
Challenged traditional notions of what constituted art and expanded the boundaries of artistic expression
Influenced the development of subsequent art movements, such as Neo-Expressionism and Minimalism
Contributed to the rise of the artist as a celebrity figure and the commercialization of the art market
Sparked debates about the role of the artist, the meaning of abstraction, and the criteria for evaluating art
Attracted the attention of major art collectors, museums, and galleries, leading to increased support for American artists
Paved the way for greater experimentation, risk-taking, and innovation in the art world
Legacy and Influence
Continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists working in a variety of mediums
Recognized as a seminal moment in the history of American art and a major contribution to the development of modern art
Works by Abstract Expressionist artists are highly sought after and command record prices at auction
Major museums and galleries around the world continue to exhibit and collect works by Abstract Expressionist artists
The emphasis on individual expression, spontaneity, and the creative process remains a key aspect of contemporary art practice
The legacy of Abstract Expressionism can be seen in the work of artists such as Cy Twombly, Joan Mitchell, and Gerhard Richter
The movement's impact extends beyond the visual arts, influencing fields such as literature, music, and film
Critical Analysis and Interpretation
Some critics, such as Clement Greenberg, championed Abstract Expressionism as the pinnacle of modernist art
Greenberg argued that the movement represented a pure, autonomous form of art that emphasized the flatness of the picture plane and the properties of the medium itself
Other critics, such as Harold Rosenberg, focused on the existential and psychological dimensions of Abstract Expressionism
Rosenberg coined the term "action painting" to describe the work of artists like Pollock and de Kooning, emphasizing the importance of the creative act itself
Feminist art historians have critiqued the masculine rhetoric and heroic myths surrounding Abstract Expressionism
They have sought to highlight the contributions of female artists like Lee Krasner and Joan Mitchell, who were often overshadowed by their male counterparts
Postcolonial and cultural theorists have examined the ways in which Abstract Expressionism was promoted as a symbol of American cultural dominance during the Cold War era
Contemporary scholars continue to explore the complex social, political, and cultural contexts in which Abstract Expressionism emerged and the ways in which the movement's legacy continues to shape our understanding of art and its role in society