Post-painterly abstraction

Definition

Post-painterly abstraction is an art movement that emerged in the late 1950s and early 1960s, characterized by a focus on the visual aspects of painting while minimizing the importance of the artist's gesture and emotional expression. It emphasizes clarity, form, and the use of color as a means of exploration rather than a vehicle for personal expression, contrasting with the more emotive and gestural styles of Abstract Expressionism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Post-painterly abstraction arose as a response to Abstract Expressionism, with artists seeking to move away from emotional intensity and personal expression.
2. Key figures associated with post-painterly abstraction include artists like Helen Frankenthaler, Morris Louis, and Kenneth Noland, who explored color and form in innovative ways.
3. The movement is characterized by the use of unorthodox materials, such as thinned paint or acrylics, allowing for new techniques like staining and pouring.
4. Unlike their Abstract Expressionist predecessors, post-painterly abstraction artists aimed for a more objective approach to painting, focusing on the visual experience rather than the artist's emotional state.
5. The influence of post-painterly abstraction can be seen in later movements such as Minimalism and Color Field Painting, which further explore color as a primary element of composition.

Review Questions

• How does post-painterly abstraction differ from Abstract Expressionism in terms of artistic intent and techniques?
  • Post-painterly abstraction differs significantly from Abstract Expressionism by prioritizing visual clarity over emotional expression. While Abstract Expressionism focuses on the artist's spontaneous gestures and personal feelings, post-painterly abstraction artists employ techniques such as staining and pouring to create a sense of order and objectivity. This shift in intent allows for a more refined exploration of color and form without the emotive baggage that characterized earlier works.
• Discuss the significance of color in post-painterly abstraction and how it is utilized differently than in previous art movements.
  • Color plays a central role in post-painterly abstraction, serving as a primary means of engagement rather than merely as an emotional element. Artists like Helen Frankenthaler and Kenneth Noland employed large areas of color to create depth and composition without intricate forms. This contrasts with earlier movements where color often represented emotional states; here, it becomes a pure visual experience meant to engage viewers on an aesthetic level rather than a personal one.
• Evaluate the impact of post-painterly abstraction on contemporary art practices and its connections to later movements such as Minimalism.
  • Post-painterly abstraction has had a profound impact on contemporary art practices by paving the way for movements like Minimalism. By emphasizing simplicity, clarity, and objectivity, it challenged traditional notions of what painting could convey. The techniques developed during this period, such as color field applications and non-traditional materials, continue to resonate in modern art. Artists today often draw inspiration from these principles, using color as an essential element while maintaining an objective approach that strips away personal narrative.

Related terms

Abstract Expressionism: An earlier art movement that prioritized spontaneous, emotive brushwork and individual expression through abstraction.

Color Field Painting: A style within post-painterly abstraction that uses large areas of color to create a sense of depth and space without significant form or structure.

Minimalism: An artistic movement that emphasizes simplicity and objectivity, often stripping away unnecessary elements to focus on basic forms and colors.