Abstract expressionist movement

Definition

The abstract expressionist movement emerged in the mid-20th century as a revolutionary approach to art that emphasized spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation. It marked a significant shift from traditional forms of representation and sought to express emotional intensity through abstraction and gesture, often utilizing large canvases and vibrant colors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The abstract expressionist movement developed primarily in New York City during the 1940s and 1950s, making it a key moment in American art history.
2. Key figures in the movement include Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning, each bringing their own unique style and techniques to the collective ethos of abstraction.
3. The movement was heavily influenced by European modernism, particularly Surrealism and existential philosophy, which emphasized individual experience and emotional expression.
4. The abstract expressionists often used unconventional tools and methods, such as dripping paint or using non-traditional materials like sand and house paint to create texture and depth.
5. The movement had a lasting impact on subsequent art movements, paving the way for Postmodernism and influencing contemporary artists who continue to explore abstraction and emotional engagement in their work.

Review Questions

• How did the abstract expressionist movement redefine the role of the artist in relation to their work?
  • The abstract expressionist movement redefined the role of the artist by emphasizing spontaneity and the act of creation itself rather than focusing solely on the finished product. Artists became more involved in the physical process of painting, using techniques like action painting where movement was crucial to the artwork's creation. This shift allowed for personal expression and emotional engagement, encouraging artists to channel their feelings directly onto the canvas.
• Analyze the influence of European modernism on the development of the abstract expressionist movement in America.
  • European modernism had a profound influence on the development of the abstract expressionist movement in America. Movements such as Surrealism introduced concepts like automatic drawing and exploration of subconscious imagery that resonated with American artists. Additionally, existential philosophy from Europe promoted individual experience and emotional depth, which became central themes within abstract expressionism. This cross-pollination of ideas helped shape a uniquely American interpretation of modern art that prioritized personal expression through abstraction.
• Evaluate the impact of major Californian art museums on the preservation and promotion of abstract expressionism within American art history.
  • Major Californian art museums play a crucial role in preserving and promoting abstract expressionism as an important chapter in American art history. Institutions like the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and The Getty Center house significant works by key artists associated with this movement, facilitating public engagement through exhibitions, educational programs, and research initiatives. By showcasing these pieces and their contexts, these museums help ensure that future generations appreciate the emotional depth and innovative techniques that define abstract expressionism while also fostering dialogue about its relevance today.

Related terms

Action painting: A style within abstract expressionism that focuses on the physical act of painting itself, where artists use dynamic brush strokes and drips to convey movement and emotion.

Color field painting: A subset of abstract expressionism characterized by large expanses of color with minimal or no gestural brushwork, aiming to evoke emotional responses through color interactions.

New York School: A group of American artists, including many abstract expressionists, who were central to the movement and influential in establishing New York City as a major center for modern art after World War II.