Abstract Expressionism

Unit 1 – Abstract Expressionism: An Introduction

Unit 2 – Surrealism & Automatism: Abstract Roots

Unit 3 – New York School: Artists and Studios

Unit 4 – Pollock: Action Painting & Drip Technique

Unit 5 – Willem de Kooning: Evolving Themes

Unit 6 – Rothko: Color Fields and the Sublime

Unit 7 – Key Figures: Kline, Motherwell, Newman, Still

Unit 8 – Sculpture: Smith and Nevelson's Assemblages

Unit 9 – Abstract Expressionism: Post-WWII Impact

Unit 10 – Abstract Expressionism: Paris to New York Shift

Unit 11 – Abstract Expressionism's Legacy: Pop & Minimalism

Unit 12 – Contemporary Views on Abstract Expressionism

## What do you learn in Abstract Expressionism

Abstract Expressionism covers the revolutionary art movement that emerged in post-World War II America. You'll explore key artists like Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Mark Rothko, analyzing their techniques and philosophies. The course delves into the cultural context of the 1940s-50s, examining how these artists broke from tradition to create emotionally charged, non-representational works.

## Is Abstract Expressionism hard?

It's not the easiest art history course, but it's definitely manageable. The trickiest part is wrapping your head around the abstract concepts and learning to analyze non-representational art. Once you get the hang of it, though, it's pretty interesting. The reading can be dense, but class discussions usually help clarify things.

## Tips for taking Abstract Expressionism in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Practice describing abstract paintings in your own words - it helps with essays and exams
3. Don't just memorize artists and dates, try to understand the cultural context
4. Visit museums or galleries if possible to see Abstract Expressionist works in person
5. Watch documentaries like "Pollock" or "Abstract Expressionism: The New York School"
6. Read artists' writings, like Rothko's "The Artist's Reality" for deeper insights
7. Form study groups to discuss and debate interpretations of different artworks

## Common pre-requisites for Abstract Expressionism

1. Introduction to Art History: This course provides a broad overview of art from prehistoric times to the present. It introduces key concepts and terminology used in art analysis.

2. Modern Art: This class covers artistic movements from the late 19th to mid-20th century. It sets the stage for understanding the context in which Abstract Expressionism emerged.

## Classes similar to Abstract Expressionism

1. Post-War American Art: Explores various art movements in America after World War II. It often includes Pop Art, Minimalism, and Conceptual Art alongside Abstract Expressionism.

2. Contemporary Art: Focuses on art from the 1960s to the present day. It examines how later artists were influenced by or reacted against Abstract Expressionism.

3. Art and Politics in the 20th Century: Investigates the relationship between art and political movements. It often includes discussions on Abstract Expressionism's role during the Cold War.

4. Color Theory in Art: Analyzes the use and impact of color in various art movements. It can provide insights into the bold color choices of many Abstract Expressionist painters.

## Majors related to Abstract Expressionism

1. Art History: Focuses on the study of visual arts throughout history. Students learn to analyze, interpret, and contextualize artworks from various periods and cultures.

2. Studio Art: Involves hands-on creation of art in various mediums. Students often study Abstract Expressionism as an influence on their own artistic practice.

3. Museum Studies: Prepares students for careers in museums and galleries. Understanding movements like Abstract Expressionism is crucial for curating and interpreting modern art collections.

4. American Studies: Examines American culture, history, and society. Abstract Expressionism often features as a significant cultural movement in mid-20th century America.

## What can you do with a degree in Abstract Expressionism?

1. Art Curator: Selects and organizes artworks for exhibitions in museums or galleries. They often specialize in specific periods or movements, like Abstract Expressionism.

2. Art Critic: Writes reviews and analyses of artworks, exhibitions, and art movements for publications. They need a deep understanding of art history and contemporary art trends.

3. Art Educator: Teaches art history or studio art in schools, colleges, or museums. They help students understand and appreciate various art movements, including Abstract Expressionism.

4. Art Conservator: Preserves and restores artworks, often specializing in specific mediums or time periods. Knowledge of Abstract Expressionist techniques is valuable for conserving mid-20th century paintings.

## Abstract Expressionism FAQs

1. How long did the Abstract Expressionist movement last? The movement peaked from the mid-1940s to the mid-1950s but its influence extended well into the 1960s.

2. Were there any female Abstract Expressionist artists? Yes, artists like Helen Frankenthaler, Lee Krasner, and Joan Mitchell made significant contributions to the movement.

3. How did Abstract Expressionism influence later art movements? It paved the way for other forms of abstract art and influenced movements like Color Field painting and Minimalism.

4. Was Abstract Expressionism purely an American movement? While it originated in New York, it had international impact and influenced artists worldwide.

Visual Arts

1.1 Defining Abstract Expressionism: Key Characteristics and Principles

1.2 Historical Context: Post-World War II America

1.3 The Emergence of New York as an Art Center

1.4 Major Themes and Techniques in Abstract Expressionism

2.1 Surrealism's Impact on Abstract Expressionism

2.2 Automatism and the Subconscious in Artistic Creation

2.3 European Modernism and Its Influence

3.1 Formation and Key Members of the New York School

3.2 The Role of Art Schools and Galleries

3.3 Studio Practices and Collaborative Environments

3.4 The Cedar Tavern and Artists' Social Circles

4.1 Pollock's Artistic Development and Early Works

4.2 The Evolution of Action Painting

4.3 Analysis of Pollock's Drip Technique and Major Works

4.4 Pollock's Impact on Abstract Expressionism and Modern Art

5.1 De Kooning's Artistic Journey and Stylistic Evolution

5.2 The "Women" Series: Controversy and Significance

5.3 Abstract Landscapes and Late Career Developments

6.1 Rothko's Artistic Philosophy and Color Theory

6.2 The Development of Color Field Painting

6.3 Rothko's Major Works and Their Interpretation

6.4 The Concept of the Sublime in Rothko's Art

7.1 Franz Kline: Gestural Abstraction and Black-and-White Compositions

7.2 Robert Motherwell: Collage and the "Elegy" Series

7.3 Barnett Newman: "Zip" Paintings and Color Field Abstraction

7.4 Clyfford Still: Large-Scale Abstract Landscapes

8.1 Abstract Expressionist Sculpture: Techniques and Materials

8.2 David Smith: Welded Steel Sculptures and Artistic Innovation

8.3 Louise Nevelson: Assemblage and Monochromatic Sculptures

9.1 The Cold War and American Cultural Diplomacy

9.2 Existentialism and Its Influence on Abstract Expressionism

9.3 Gender Roles and Women Artists in Abstract Expressionism

10.1 The Role of Art Critics: Greenberg, Rosenberg, and Others

10.2 Debates and Controversies Surrounding Abstract Expressionism

10.3 The Decline of Paris and the Rise of New York as Art Capital

11.1 The Transition from Abstract Expressionism to Pop Art

11.2 Minimalism as a Response to Abstract Expressionism

11.3 Abstract Expressionism's Influence on Later Art Movements

12.1 Reassessing Abstract Expressionism in Art History

12.2 Contemporary Artists Inspired by Abstract Expressionism

12.3 The Market for Abstract Expressionist Art: Collecting and Conservation

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