The Irascibles

Definition

The Irascibles were a group of American abstract expressionist artists who protested against the conservative art establishment in the early 1950s. They were primarily known for their vocal criticism of the 1951 'Ninth Street Show' and their rejection of traditional artistic standards, advocating instead for a more dynamic and emotional form of expression in art, which they felt better represented the American spirit.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Irascibles included influential artists such as Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Mark Rothko, who played pivotal roles in shaping the abstract expressionist movement.
2. In 1951, the group sent an open letter to the Metropolitan Museum of Art denouncing the exclusion of their work from important exhibitions, showcasing their commitment to artistic freedom.
3. The term 'Irascibles' reflects their passionate and often confrontational stance against the mainstream art community, as they were frustrated with the lack of recognition for innovative styles.
4. Their protest helped to pave the way for a more diverse art scene in America, leading to increased acceptance and appreciation for modern art forms.
5. The influence of the Irascibles extended beyond their time, laying foundational concepts that influenced later movements such as Minimalism and Conceptual Art.

Review Questions

• How did the Irascibles challenge traditional art norms during their time?
  • The Irascibles challenged traditional art norms by vocally opposing conservative standards and advocating for a new form of artistic expression that emphasized emotion and spontaneity. Their protest against the 1951 Ninth Street Show highlighted their dissatisfaction with how modern artists were represented and exhibited. By rejecting established conventions, they paved the way for abstract expressionism to be recognized as a valid and powerful movement in American art.
• Discuss the impact of the Irascibles' open letter on the recognition of abstract expressionist artists in the art world.
  • The open letter sent by the Irascibles to the Metropolitan Museum of Art significantly impacted the recognition of abstract expressionist artists by bringing attention to their exclusion from major exhibitions. This bold move not only demonstrated their collective strength but also sparked discussions about artistic value and representation. As a result, it led to a gradual shift in the art world, where abstract expressionism began gaining respect and prominence, helping establish these artists as key figures in American art history.
• Evaluate the long-term significance of the Irascibles in shaping contemporary art movements that followed.
  • The long-term significance of the Irascibles lies in their role as catalysts for change within the art community. Their insistence on emotional authenticity and rejection of traditional aesthetics influenced subsequent movements like Minimalism and Conceptual Art, which further questioned artistic norms. The ideas introduced by the Irascibles continue to resonate today as contemporary artists explore new forms of expression and challenge societal expectations regarding what constitutes 'art.' Their legacy is seen in how art continues to evolve beyond conventional boundaries.

Related terms

Abstract Expressionism: A post-World War II art movement in America characterized by spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation, focusing on the act of painting itself as an essential part of the artwork.

Ninth Street Show: A significant exhibition in 1951 that showcased abstract expressionist artists but was criticized by the Irascibles for its perceived bias towards more traditional forms of art.

Action Painting: A style of painting within abstract expressionism where paint is applied to the canvas in a spontaneous, energetic manner, emphasizing the physical act of painting as a key element of the artwork.