9th Lesson - Art History

Abstract Expressionism

Introduction

  • The Abstract Expressionism movement emerged in the late 1940s in New York City, marking a shift in the locus of modern art from Paris to America.

Key Artists and Developments (Late 1940s)

  1. Jackson Pollock

    • Developed the drip technique in 1947, becoming synonymous with Abstract Expressionism.

    • His approach emphasized the act of painting as a form of expression and rebellion against societal norms.

  2. Willem de Kooning

    • Had a pivotal exhibition in 1947 showcasing his "Women" paintings characterized by aggressive brush strokes and thick paint application.

    • Employed strong slashing gestures to create textured surfaces.

  3. Barnett Newman

    • Achieved his significant breakthrough with "Onement I" in 1948, which introduced the concept of the "zip."

    • The zip is a vertical line serving as a visual device to explore space, color, and figure-ground dynamics.

    • Newman spent his career investigating the implications of this technique on painting.

  4. Mark Rothko

    • Began developing his multi-form paintings that defined his later works around 1950 through the combination of large blocks of color.

    • His art aimed to evoke human emotions and invite viewers into a reflective experience.

Characteristics of Abstract Expressionism

Action Painting

  • Coined by critic Harold Rosenberg in 1952, Action Painting denotes the act of creating art as a non-traditional performance involving both the artist's movements and the spontaneous application of paint onto canvas.

  • It emphasizes the physical act of painting, often resulting in energetic and gestural works.

Color Field Painting

  • A branch within Abstract Expressionism pioneered by artists like Rothko and Newman, focused on large areas of color aimed at evoking emotions without representational forms.

  • Color becomes the primary vehicle of expression, enveloping viewers and allowing for personal reflection.

Influences and Context

  1. Surrealism

    • Influenced by Surrealist artists focusing on the unconscious, myth, and archetypal symbols.

    • Artists like Pollock absorbed these themes to shape their understanding of painting as both an expression and a struggle with subconscious chaos.

  2. Political and Cultural Climate

    • The geopolitical turmoil of Europe in the 1930s caused a migration of European modernists to New York, revitalizing the local art scene and helping overcome feelings of inferiority among American artists.

    • Abstract Expressionism emerged as an embodiment of American spirit, reflecting cultural themes like individual freedom, monumental scale, and romanticism.

  3. Contributions of Women Artists

    • Despite historical narratives focusing on male artists, several female Abstract Expressionists played crucial roles in shaping the movement.

Key Works and Their Meanings

  1. Willem de Kooning’s Woman I (1950-52)

    • Demonstrates Action Painting through visible brush strokes and thick pigment, highlighting creative vigor and reworking techniques.

  2. Barnett Newman’s Onement I (1948)

    • Characterized by vertical zips that define space and color relationships, signaling Newman's hallmark contribution to visual language.

  3. Mark Rothko’s No. 10 (1950)

    • Represents the Color Field Painting approach through horizontal divisions of color that create emotional resonance with the viewer.

Legacy of Abstract Expressionism

  • Throughout the 1950s, Abstract Expressionism became a symbol of American cultural hegemony and democracy, utilized by the government as a political tool during the Cold War.

  • Led to the emergence of subsequent art movements including Neo-Dada, Pop Art, and Minimalism, responding to mid-century societal shifts toward consumerism and mass media.

Jackson Pollock’s Artistic Philosophy and Techniques

  1. Innovative Techniques

    • Pollock’s departure from the traditional easel, opting for large, un-stretched canvases laid on the ground, allowed dynamic painting from all angles.

    • Tools like sticks and basters were used to apply paint, resulting in non-traditional and dynamic artworks.

  2. Psychological Themes and Influences

    • Pollock's personal struggles, particularly with alcoholism and his Jungian therapy, deeply influenced his art, tapping into universal human anxieties and emotions.

    • His shift to abstraction was also shaped by early experiences in realist mural painting and European influences.

  3. Reflections on the Creative Process

    • Pollock stated: "When I am in my painting, I’m not aware of what I’m doing. It is only after… that I see what I have been about."

    • This approach exemplifies the emergent relationship between artist and canvas, where the artwork evolves as a living entity.

Mark Rothko’s Contributions and Philosophies

  1. Significant Style Evolution

    • Rothko's works transition from figurative to abstract forms, focusing on soft-edged rectangular shapes floating on canvas fields of color.

    • His art encourages a meditative state, aiming to connect with the viewer on a personal and spiritual level.

  2. The Rothko Chapel

    • A key architectural commission in his later years, comprised of large-scale murals intended to create a contemplative space for reflection.

    • The dark palette reflects Rothko’s emotional state in his last years, creating a dialogue between art and spirituality.

Conclusion

  • Abstract Expressionism remains a cornerstone of modern art, influencing countless artists while continually being reassessed in light of contemporary cultural and societal contexts.