The 9th street show

Definition

The 9th Street Show was a groundbreaking art exhibition held in New York City in 1951, showcasing the work of abstract expressionist artists. It played a significant role in promoting and popularizing gestural painting, emphasizing spontaneous and dynamic brushwork, which became a hallmark of this art movement. The show brought together artists who would go on to define modern art in the postwar era, creating a vibrant dialogue around the emerging styles and techniques of gestural painting.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 9th Street Show featured over 60 artists, including notable figures like Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock, and Franz Kline, highlighting their innovative approaches to painting.
2. This exhibition was held in a rented space on 9th Street in Manhattan's Greenwich Village, which became a hub for avant-garde artists in the postwar era.
3. The show was pivotal in establishing New York City as the center of the contemporary art world, shifting the focus from Paris to America during this period.
4. Curated by artists themselves rather than traditional gallery systems, the exhibition emphasized community and collaboration among emerging artists.
5. The 9th Street Show helped solidify gestural painting as a dominant force in Abstract Expressionism, influencing future generations of artists who explored similar techniques.

Review Questions

• How did the 9th Street Show influence the perception of gestural painting within the art community?
  • The 9th Street Show significantly impacted how gestural painting was perceived by bringing it into the spotlight of the New York art scene. It showcased various artists who utilized spontaneous brushwork and dynamic movement in their work, helping to legitimize these styles within the broader context of Abstract Expressionism. By emphasizing artistic spontaneity and collaboration among artists, the exhibition fostered an environment where gestural painting could thrive and be recognized as an important artistic expression.
• Discuss the role of collaboration among artists at the 9th Street Show and its implications for future exhibitions.
  • Collaboration played a crucial role in shaping the 9th Street Show, as it was organized by artists rather than traditional curators. This approach not only fostered a sense of community but also allowed for a diverse range of artistic styles and perspectives to be represented. The success of this collaborative effort set a precedent for future exhibitions, encouraging artists to take control of how their work was displayed and discussed, ultimately leading to more inclusive and innovative art events.
• Evaluate how the 9th Street Show contributed to shifting the center of contemporary art from Europe to America during the postwar era.
  • The 9th Street Show played a pivotal role in shifting the center of contemporary art from Europe to America by establishing New York City as a leading cultural hub for innovation in art. With its focus on abstract expressionism and gestural painting, this exhibition attracted attention not just from local audiences but also internationally. As American artists like Jackson Pollock gained recognition through this show, it marked a turning point that influenced global perceptions of modern art, emphasizing that new ideas could emerge from an American context rather than being dominated by European traditions.

Related terms

Abstract Expressionism: An art movement that emerged in the 1940s and 1950s, characterized by spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation, with a focus on expressive and emotional content.

Gestural Painting: A style of painting that emphasizes the physical act of painting itself, showcasing the artist's movement and gesture through bold brushstrokes and vibrant colors.

Artistic Spontaneity: The practice of creating art without premeditated plans, allowing intuition and immediate inspiration to guide the creative process.