Abstract Expressionism

Pollock One, Number 31

Krasner , Untitled Little Images Series

Krasner, The Seasons

Rothko Chapel , Houston TX

Cold War

1947-1991; a period of geopolitical tension between the US and the Soviet Union and their respective allies.

Socialist Realism

the official style of the USSR, defined by the use of realism and naturalism to create an optimistic image of Soviet life.

Congress For Cultural Freedom

a Paris-based organization that supported anti-communist art and literature, secretly backed by the CIA from 1950-79.

Abstract Expressionism

a style of painting developed by American artists in the 1940s and 50s; characterized by total abstraction, the sweeping application of paint, and spontaneity.

Action Painting

a highly physical style of painting in which paint is spontaneously dribbled, splashed or smeared onto the canvas

Medium Specificity

the idea that each medium has qualities that make it unique form other mediums; in the case of painting, flatness/2 dimensionality

Color Field Painting

a style of abstract painting developed in the 1950s and 60s characterized by large expanses of flat, single colors