11.2 Jackson Pollock and the New York School
4 min read•august 13, 2024
and the New York School revolutionized American art after World War II. These artists, including and , pushed to new heights, shifting the art world's center from Paris to New York.
Pollock's innovative "drip" technique embodied the movement's emphasis on spontaneity and individual expression. His large-scale, energetic paintings challenged traditional notions of art, sparking controversy but ultimately reshaping the landscape of modern American art.
Key Figures of the New York School
Central Figures and Their Contributions
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- Jackson Pollock, known for his innovative "drip" technique, was a central figure in the New York School and helped establish Abstract Expressionism as a major art movement
- Willem de Kooning, another prominent member of the New York School, is known for his gestural and energetic abstract paintings, often featuring recognizable elements like the human figure
- Mark Rothko, associated with the New York School, developed a signature style of color field painting, creating large, luminous canvases with rectangular blocks of color that evoke deep emotional responses
Other Notable Artists
- , known for his bold, black-and-white abstract paintings
- , who explored themes of politics, philosophy, and literature in his abstract works
- , recognized for his "zip" paintings featuring vertical lines on large, monochromatic canvases
- , an influential figure in the development of color field painting, known for his jagged, abstract compositions
Techniques of Jackson Pollock's Drip Paintings
Innovative Drip Technique
- Pollock's innovative "drip" technique involved placing the canvas on the floor and pouring, dripping, or splattering paint onto the surface using various tools (sticks, brushes, turkey basters)
- By moving around the canvas and manipulating the flow of paint, Pollock created complex, layered compositions with intricate webs of color and line, often resulting in large-scale, immersive works
- Pollock's approach to painting emphasized the physical act of creation, with the artist's movements and gestures becoming an integral part of the final composition
Spontaneity and Improvisation
- The drip paintings showcased Pollock's interest in the spontaneous and improvisational nature of the creative process
- Pollock rejected traditional notions of composition and representation in art, focusing instead on the expressive potential of the painting process itself
- The resulting works were characterized by a sense of energy, dynamism, and emotional intensity, reflecting the artist's inner state and the immediacy of the creative act
Influence of the New York School on American Art
Shift in the Art World
- The New York School and the Abstract Expressionist movement marked a shift in the center of the art world from Paris to New York City in the years following World War II
- Pollock and his contemporaries helped to establish American art as a major force on the international stage, challenging the dominance of European modernism and asserting the vitality and originality of American cultural production
Impact on Subsequent Art Movements
- The emphasis on individual expression, spontaneity, and the exploration of the subconscious in Abstract Expressionism had a profound impact on subsequent generations of American artists
- Artists continued to push the boundaries of abstraction and experimentation in their work, leading to the emergence of new art movements (Pop Art, Minimalism) in the 1960s and beyond
- The legacy of the New York School can be seen in the continued prominence of New York City as a global art center and in the enduring influence of Abstract Expressionist techniques and ideas on contemporary art practice
Critical and Commercial Success
- The critical and commercial success of Pollock and other New York School artists helped to legitimize abstract art in the eyes of the American public
- The recognition of Abstract Expressionism as a significant artistic movement paved the way for greater acceptance and appreciation of and experimental art forms in the United States
- The New York School's success also contributed to the growth of the American art market and the rise of New York City as a hub for the international art trade
Reception and Controversy of Pollock's Work
Initial Criticism and Skepticism
- Pollock's unconventional approach to painting initially met with skepticism and criticism from some quarters of the art world
- Critics questioned the validity and skill involved in his drip technique, dismissing his work as chaotic, uncontrolled, and lacking in artistic merit
- Some commentators argued that Pollock's paintings were merely a passing fad driven by hype and self-promotion rather than genuine artistic innovation
Debates on the Nature of Abstract Art
- The critical debate surrounding Pollock and the New York School often centered on the question of whether their work represented a genuine advancement in the history of art or merely a departure from traditional artistic values
- Supporters of Pollock and the Abstract Expressionists argued that their work represented a new form of artistic expression that challenged conventional notions of beauty, skill, and meaning in art
- Detractors, on the other hand, saw the New York School as a symptom of the perceived decline of artistic standards and the rise of a cult of personality in the art world
Growing Recognition and Legacy
- Despite these controversies, Pollock's reputation as a major figure in 20th-century art has only grown over time
- His drip paintings are now widely recognized as groundbreaking works that redefined the possibilities of abstract art and had a lasting impact on the course of American art history
- The ongoing critical and scholarly interest in Pollock and the New York School reflects the enduring significance of their contributions to the history of American art and their continued relevance to contemporary artistic practice
Key Terms to Review (23)
Abstract expressionism: Abstract expressionism is an art movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation. It emphasizes the act of painting itself as an essential aspect of the artwork, rather than a focus on representational forms. This movement includes various techniques such as action painting, which prioritizes dynamic brushwork, and color field painting, which explores large areas of color to evoke emotions.
Action Painting: Action painting is a form of abstract expressionism characterized by spontaneous, dynamic, and gestural brushwork that emphasizes the act of painting itself as an essential aspect of the artwork. This technique often involves the artist using bold strokes and drips of paint, creating a sense of movement and energy on the canvas, which highlights the emotional intensity and individual expression of the artist. It connects deeply with the ideas of immediacy and physical engagement in the creative process.
Allover composition: Allover composition is a painting technique where the artwork's elements are distributed evenly across the canvas, creating a sense of uniformity and balance. This approach minimizes the significance of a focal point, allowing the viewer's eye to travel across the entire surface of the work. It is often associated with abstract art, especially in the context of modern movements like Abstract Expressionism, where artists sought to engage viewers with the entire canvas rather than directing them to a specific area.
Automatic drawing: Automatic drawing is a technique used by artists to create images without conscious control, allowing the subconscious mind to express itself freely on the canvas. This method is integral to Surrealism, as it encourages spontaneity and the exploration of hidden thoughts, dreams, and desires. Artists like Salvador Dalí and René Magritte embraced automatic drawing to tap into the irrational and dreamlike aspects of the human experience, while Jackson Pollock applied similar principles in his drip painting technique, emphasizing movement and instinct over planned composition.
Avant-garde: Avant-garde refers to innovative and experimental approaches in art and culture that challenge established norms and conventions. It embodies a spirit of radical change, often seeking to provoke thought and engage with contemporary issues, making it a key term in understanding various movements throughout modern art history.
Barnett Newman: Barnett Newman was an American artist and one of the key figures in the Abstract Expressionist movement, known for his Color Field paintings that emphasize vast expanses of color and minimalism. He played a significant role in defining the New York School, contributing to the evolution of modern art through his innovative approach that explored concepts of existentialism and spirituality.
Clement Greenberg: Clement Greenberg was a prominent American art critic known for his influential writings on modern art, particularly Abstract Expressionism. He championed artists like Jackson Pollock, emphasizing the importance of medium and the formal qualities of art, which helped shape the understanding of the New York School as a central movement in 20th-century art.
Clyfford Still: Clyfford Still was an influential American painter known for being a key figure in the Abstract Expressionism movement, particularly recognized for his large-scale canvases that emphasized bold colors and dynamic forms. His work focused on the emotional impact of color and form, which contributed significantly to the evolution of modern art in the mid-20th century and played a vital role alongside artists like Jackson Pollock in the New York School.
Drip painting: Drip painting is an abstract art technique where paint is dripped or poured onto a canvas, allowing for spontaneous and dynamic patterns to emerge. This method emphasizes the physical act of painting, reflecting the artist's gestures and emotions, which was a hallmark of the New York School and its exploration of Abstract Expressionism.
Existentialism: Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, asserting that individuals are responsible for giving their own lives meaning in a seemingly indifferent or absurd universe. This perspective often highlights themes of alienation, anxiety, and the search for authenticity, reflecting the emotional and psychological struggles of humanity in the modern world.
Franz Kline: Franz Kline was an American abstract expressionist painter known for his dynamic black and white paintings that embody the spirit of spontaneity and energy in art. His work is closely associated with the New York School, where he utilized bold brushstrokes and a strong sense of movement to convey emotion and intensity, reflecting the essence of post-World War II America.
Gestural abstraction: Gestural abstraction refers to a style of painting that emphasizes the act of painting itself, where the artist's gestures and movements are evident in the artwork. This approach prioritizes spontaneous expression, often resulting in dynamic compositions that capture the energy and emotion of the moment. It plays a crucial role in defining Abstract Expressionism, particularly within action painting, where the physicality of the brushstroke becomes a vital element of the work.
Harold Rosenberg: Harold Rosenberg was an influential American art critic and theorist, known for his association with the New York School and his writings on abstract expressionism. He coined the term 'action painting' to describe a style of painting that emphasizes the physical act of painting itself, particularly in relation to artists like Jackson Pollock. His ideas contributed significantly to the understanding of modern art movements in mid-20th century America.
Individualism: Individualism is a social and philosophical concept that emphasizes the moral worth of the individual and prioritizes personal autonomy, self-reliance, and independence. This idea became particularly prominent during significant cultural movements, leading to a shift in how art and creativity were perceived, focusing on the unique expression and personal experiences of the artist.
Jackson Pollock: Jackson Pollock was a major American painter known for his unique style of drip painting, which became a hallmark of the Abstract Expressionist movement. His innovative technique involved pouring and splattering paint onto a canvas laid flat on the ground, emphasizing the act of painting itself as a dynamic, physical process. This approach transformed the relationship between the artist, the artwork, and the viewer, marking a significant shift in the art world during the mid-20th century.
Mark Rothko: Mark Rothko was an influential American painter known for his contributions to Abstract Expressionism, particularly through his Color Field paintings. His works are characterized by large, luminous blocks of color that evoke emotional responses and encourage viewer contemplation. Rothko's art seeks to transcend the traditional boundaries of painting, aiming for a spiritual and emotional experience rather than a mere visual representation.
Non-representational art: Non-representational art, also known as abstract art, is a form of artistic expression that does not aim to depict recognizable subjects or objects from the real world. Instead, it focuses on elements such as colors, shapes, and forms to convey emotions or concepts. This style emerged prominently in the 20th century and reflects a shift in perspective where the artist's internal experience becomes more significant than external reality.
Post-war america: Post-war America refers to the period following World War II, characterized by economic prosperity, social change, and cultural transformation. This era saw the rise of new artistic movements that challenged traditional forms and reflected the complexities of modern life, as artists sought to express individualism and respond to the political climate of the time.
Robert Motherwell: Robert Motherwell was an influential American painter and printmaker, known for being a leading figure in the Abstract Expressionism movement. His work often combined elements of collage and automatism, reflecting emotional depth and a focus on the act of creation itself, aligning him with the ethos of the New York School, which included artists like Jackson Pollock.
The international exhibition of modern art: The international exhibition of modern art, also known as the Armory Show, was a groundbreaking art event held in 1913 in New York City that introduced American audiences to European avant-garde movements. This exhibition showcased works by artists like Pablo Picasso and Marcel Duchamp, significantly influencing the development of modern art in the United States and paving the way for movements such as Abstract Expressionism and the New York School.
The Ninth Street Show: The Ninth Street Show was an influential art exhibition held in 1951 in New York City that showcased the work of emerging abstract expressionist artists. This event marked a significant moment for the New York School, highlighting artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning, and it was pivotal in establishing New York as a central hub for modern art. The show played a crucial role in elevating the prominence of abstract expressionism on both national and international stages.
The sublime: The sublime refers to an aesthetic quality that inspires a sense of awe, wonder, and sometimes terror in the viewer, often evoking feelings that transcend ordinary experience. It is characterized by vastness, grandeur, or beauty that can overwhelm the senses and provoke intense emotional responses. This concept is deeply connected to the exploration of human emotions, nature's power, and the limits of human understanding in art.
Willem de Kooning: Willem de Kooning was a Dutch-American painter who became one of the leading figures in the Abstract Expressionism movement, known for his dynamic and aggressive style that combined abstraction with figuration. His work often showcased a struggle between the representation of human forms and non-representational elements, marking him as a pivotal artist in the transition from traditional to modern art practices.