Harold Rosenberg

Definition

Harold Rosenberg was an influential American art critic and theorist known for his advocacy of Abstract Expressionism and his formulation of the concept of 'action painting.' He emphasized the importance of the artist's creative process and the act of painting itself, rather than just the final artwork. Rosenberg's ideas profoundly impacted the way art was understood during the mid-20th century, linking closely to figures like Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Barnett Newman.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rosenberg coined the term 'action painting' in his 1952 essay, defining it as a form of expression that highlights the dynamic process of creation.
2. He believed that the act of painting could serve as a means for artists to explore their inner self and confront existential questions.
3. Rosenberg's writings contributed to the elevation of artists like Pollock and de Kooning as significant cultural figures in America during the post-World War II era.
4. He argued that the canvas became an arena in which to act, rather than just a surface to be painted on, emphasizing movement and energy in artworks.
5. His views contrasted with those of other critics who focused more on formal elements or aesthetic values, making his perspectives particularly influential in shaping contemporary art criticism.

Review Questions

• How did Harold Rosenberg's concept of 'action painting' influence artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning?
  • Harold Rosenberg's concept of 'action painting' emphasized the physical act of painting as a crucial aspect of artistic expression. This idea resonated deeply with Jackson Pollock's drip technique and Willem de Kooning's aggressive brushwork, both of which prioritized movement and spontaneity over traditional composition. Rosenberg helped frame their work as not just paintings but dynamic events where the artist's engagement with the canvas became integral to the meaning of the artwork.
• In what ways did Rosenberg's writings shape the public perception of Abstract Expressionism during its emergence in the mid-20th century?
  • Rosenberg's writings provided a theoretical foundation for Abstract Expressionism by articulating its core principles and cultural significance. His framing of 'action painting' helped legitimize this new style as a serious art movement, contrasting it with more traditional forms. By promoting artists like Pollock and de Kooning through his critiques, he not only influenced how they were viewed but also contributed to the broader understanding of modern art as a reflection of existentialist themes prevalent in post-war America.
• Evaluate how Harold Rosenberg's ideas about art can be seen as a response to societal changes in post-World War II America.
  • Harold Rosenberg's ideas about art reflected a significant response to societal changes occurring in post-World War II America, including a shift toward individualism and self-expression. His focus on action painting paralleled the era's existential concerns, as artists grappled with their identity and purpose amid rapid cultural transformations. By prioritizing process over product, Rosenberg positioned artists as agents of change who could confront their inner realities and comment on the human condition, effectively connecting art to broader existential questions faced by society during this tumultuous time.

Related terms

Action Painting: A style of painting characterized by spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation, where the act of painting itself is emphasized.

Abstract Expressionism:

An art movement that emerged in the 1940s and 1950s, focused on abstract forms and expressive techniques to convey emotions.

Existentialism: A philosophical theory emphasizing individual existence, freedom, and choice, often associated with the emotional depth found in Abstract Expressionism.