Post-painterly abstraction

Definition

Post-painterly abstraction refers to a movement in art that emerged in the 1960s as a reaction against the emotive and expressive styles of Abstract Expressionism. This style emphasizes clarity, precision, and the use of color and form without the emotional depth characteristic of its predecessor. The focus shifted towards more formal aspects of painting, which paved the way for Minimalism, as artists began to explore the surface quality of paint and the role of perception in art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Post-painterly abstraction is often seen as a bridge between Abstract Expressionism and Minimalism, prioritizing clarity over emotional expression.
2. Artists associated with this movement favored techniques like staining and pouring paint to emphasize the surface of the canvas rather than deep brushwork.
3. The movement highlighted the importance of perception, with an emphasis on how viewers interact with color and form in a more direct manner.
4. Key figures in post-painterly abstraction include Helen Frankenthaler and Morris Louis, who are known for their innovative use of color and techniques.
5. This style led to the development of various approaches within Minimalism, including seriality, repetition, and a focus on geometric forms.

Review Questions

• How did post-painterly abstraction challenge the ideas presented by Abstract Expressionism?
  • Post-painterly abstraction challenged Abstract Expressionism by moving away from its emotional intensity and expressive brushwork. Instead, it focused on clarity, precision, and an exploration of color and form that emphasized visual perception over emotional depth. This shift led artists to use techniques such as staining and pouring paint, which highlighted the physical properties of paint rather than personal expression, paving the way for movements like Minimalism.
• In what ways did post-painterly abstraction influence the development of Minimalist painting's approach to form and color?
  • Post-painterly abstraction significantly influenced Minimalist painting by introducing concepts like seriality and a focus on geometric forms. Artists began to adopt the clear visual language established by post-painterly abstraction, stripping down their work to basic shapes and repetitive patterns. This allowed for a more objective approach to art-making that emphasized simplicity, ultimately leading to the characteristic features of Minimalism where color and form are presented without emotional context.
• Evaluate the impact of post-painterly abstraction on contemporary art practices and how it has shaped modern perceptions of visual art.
  • Post-painterly abstraction has had a lasting impact on contemporary art practices by reshaping how artists engage with materials, color, and form. Its emphasis on clarity and viewer perception encourages modern artists to explore these elements in innovative ways, often leading to interdisciplinary approaches that blend painting with sculpture or installation. This movement has influenced a broad spectrum of artistic expressions today, allowing for an expanded understanding of what constitutes visual art beyond traditional boundaries.

Related terms

Color Field Painting: A style of abstract painting that emphasizes large areas of color and simplified forms, often using flat, solid colors to create a sense of depth.

Hard-edge Painting: A painting style characterized by sharply defined edges, geometric forms, and the use of industrial materials to achieve a clean and precise aesthetic.

Minimalism: An art movement that focuses on simplicity and objectivity, reducing artworks to their fundamental features and often emphasizing repetitive forms or seriality.