Abstract expressionism

Definition

Abstract expressionism is an art movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, primarily in the United States, characterized by spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation. It emphasizes the act of painting itself as an essential part of the artwork, focusing on expressing emotions and ideas through non-representational forms. This movement laid the groundwork for performances that sought to break traditional boundaries between art and life, engaging with the audience in new ways.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Abstract expressionism arose in the 1940s and 1950s as artists sought to express their inner thoughts and emotions through non-traditional methods.
2. Key figures include artists like Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning, each contributing unique styles to the movement.
3. The movement was closely associated with post-World War II America, reflecting feelings of chaos and existentialism in a rapidly changing world.
4. It paved the way for Happenings and Fluxus by blurring the lines between different art forms and encouraging audience participation.
5. Abstract expressionism rejected representational art and instead embraced abstraction as a means of conveying deep emotional experiences.

Review Questions

• How did abstract expressionism influence later artistic movements like Happenings and Fluxus?
  • Abstract expressionism significantly influenced Happenings and Fluxus by emphasizing spontaneity and audience engagement. Artists who embraced abstract expressionism sought to break away from traditional forms of art by making the process of creation itself a key element of their work. This laid the foundation for Happenings, where performance became an integral part of art, allowing audiences to actively participate in the experience rather than passively observe.
• Compare and contrast action painting and color field painting within the context of abstract expressionism.
  • Action painting focuses on the physical act of painting, with artists like Jackson Pollock employing energetic brushstrokes and dynamic movements to convey emotion. In contrast, color field painting emphasizes large expanses of color without much emphasis on brushwork, as seen in the works of Mark Rothko. Both styles fall under the umbrella of abstract expressionism but offer different approaches to abstraction—one being gestural and immediate, while the other is more meditative and contemplative.
• Evaluate how abstract expressionism reflects broader societal changes during its emergence in post-World War II America.
  • Abstract expressionism reflects significant societal changes in post-World War II America by embodying themes of chaos, freedom, and existentialism. The movement emerged during a time when artists were grappling with the aftermath of war and a shifting cultural landscape. As traditional artistic conventions were challenged, abstract expressionists used non-representational forms to express their emotional responses to a complex world. This rebellion against convention resonated with a generation seeking new ways to understand their experiences, making it a pivotal moment in both art and cultural history.

Related terms

Action Painting: A technique within abstract expressionism where the act of painting is emphasized, often involving energetic brushstrokes and a physical approach to the canvas.

Color Field Painting: A style of abstract expressionism that uses large areas of color to create a sense of depth and emotion, often minimizing brushwork to focus on color itself.

Performance Art: A live artistic performance that combines various forms of art, including visual arts, theater, and music, often emphasizing the ephemeral nature of the experience.