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Rise of Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art

• Abstract Expressionism emerged in the late 1940s, dominated the 1950s.

• By the 1960s, Pop Art began to take prominence but its influence waned by the late 1960s.

• Color Field Painting followed, encouraged by advancements in acrylic paint, allowing innovative techniques.

Alma Thomas

• Born in Georgia, moved to Washington DC as a teenager.

• First graduate of Howard University's art program.

• Later earned a master's in art education and taught for decades in DC schools.

• Developed signature style in the mid-1960s using small strokes of acrylic paint.

  • Gained national attention and became the first African American woman to exhibit at the Whitney Museum of American Art.

  • Work explores color relationships in a non-objective manner, visible brush strokes, akin to mosaics and Georges Seurat’s pointillism.

Themes in Thomas's Work

• Focus on nature and its subtle movements (e.g., water on a leaf, petals falling).

• Significant works include Springtime in Washington, depicting nature abstractly through circular flower beds.

• White Daisy's Rhapsody uses colors to evoke music and nature.

• Wind and Crepe Myrtle Concerto reflects seasonal changes and the ephemeral nature of life.

Richard Mayhew

• Born in Amityville, New York; influenced by artists visiting his area.

• Formal education in art history; worked as a commercial artist.

• Joined the Spiral group focused on the Black arts movement; his work didn't always represent political themes.

• Known for abstract landscapes that often suggest non-objective forms.

Artistic Approach of Mayhew

• His landscapes blend realism and abstraction through color and emotional expression, influenced by nature.

• His work denotes a strong connection to his heritage, drawing from African American and Native American influences.

• Example works include Memorial, inspired by landscapes without direct replication.

Sam Gilliam

• Born in Mississippi, moved to Louisville, Kentucky; educated in art.

• Involved in the Washington Color Field School.

• Notably hung un-stretched canvases, blurring lines between painting and sculpture, inspired by urban laundry lines.

• Works often reflect jazz influences and abstract concepts of color and form.

Martin Puryear

• Born in Washington DC, studied various cultures' craftsmanship during Peace Corps service in West Africa.

• Known for minimalist, yet non-reductive sculpture; prioritizes the beauty of materials and craftsmanship.

• Works often resonate with cultural influences, emphasizing beauty over strict artistic motive.

• Concepts of tools and natural forms inform his artistic process, creating sculptures with deep meanings.

Philosophical Divide in Art

• Debate over how much an artist's ethnicity should influence their work; some argue for a focus on universal themes versus grounding in the Black experience.

• Artists like Alma Thomas and Richard Mayhew navigate these complex discussions through their non-objective approaches.

• The dialogue about race in art remains significant, shaping perceptions of identity and accessibility in art.