When you visit a museum showcasing modern and contemporary art, you might come across pieces that make you think, “Even my cat could do that, so why is it considered art?” This reaction is often directed at a movement known as Abstract Expressionism, or the New York School. Emerging in 1943 and gaining momentum after World War II, this art movement is marked by large, abstract paintings with no clear focal points and sweeping paint strokes that convey deep emotions.
The artists associated with Abstract Expressionism include Barnett Newman, famous for his existential “zips,” Willem de Kooning, known for his distorted depictions of women, and Helen Frankenthaler, who pioneered the soak-stain technique. However, Jackson Pollock stands out as the most renowned and influential figure in this movement. His paintings are instantly recognizable, featuring intricate webs of paint that seem to dance across the canvas. But what makes these chaotic fields significant? Did Pollock just randomly drip paint, and could anyone do the same?
The answer is both yes and no. While Pollock’s technique might seem easy to replicate, only he could create his distinctive works. This paradox is rooted in the Surrealist automatic drawings of André Masson and others, who drew from their unconscious minds to uncover hidden truths. Rather than drawing a preconceived image, they let their hands move freely, later finding familiar shapes in the scribbles. Pollock, moving beyond representation, developed his drip or action paintings based on a similar idea, but he did not search for hidden images or messages in his work.
Pollock’s process was revolutionary. He removed the canvas from the easel and placed it on the floor, a bold move in itself. Then, in a controlled yet spontaneous dance, he moved around the canvas, dripping industrial paint from stirrers and other tools. By varying his speed and direction, he controlled how the paint interacted with the surface. These movements, like the Surrealist scribbles, emerged from Pollock’s subconscious. However, unlike the Surrealists, Pollock’s paintings were not representations of hidden mental content but physical manifestations of his psyche. They were signatures of his mind.
In theory, anyone could create a painting reflecting their mind. So why is Pollock’s work so special? It’s crucial to recognize that while anyone could have done what he did, Pollock and the New York School artists were the ones who actually executed it. They challenged long-standing painting conventions, prompting the art world to reconsider them entirely.
Another reason for Pollock’s enduring prominence is the fascinating contradictions embodied in his creations. Although his process resulted in flat painted surfaces, the intricate web of lines can create an illusion of infinite depth when viewed closely. The apparent chaos of his work seems uncontrolled, yet it is the result of a deliberate, though not pre-planned, process. These qualities elevated Pollock to celebrity status and contributed to his mythologized image as a genius artist.
Rather than democratizing creativity, Pollock’s work, unfortunately, reinforced the elitist nature of art. Whether seen as elitist or innovative, the history of Abstract Expressionism is one that no cat, no matter how talented, can claim. This movement remains a pivotal chapter in the story of modern art, challenging perceptions and expanding the boundaries of artistic expression.
Gather some paints, brushes, and a canvas. Try to emulate the techniques of Jackson Pollock by placing your canvas on the floor and using a drip technique. Focus on expressing your emotions through your movements and paint application. Reflect on how this process makes you feel and what emotions or thoughts it brings to the surface.
Select a painting by a key figure in Abstract Expressionism, such as a work by Jackson Pollock or Willem de Kooning. Write a short essay analyzing the painting’s composition, use of color, and emotional impact. Consider what makes the piece significant and how it fits into the broader context of the movement.
Divide into groups and hold a debate on the value and impact of Abstract Expressionism. One side should argue for its significance in art history, while the other challenges its merit. Use examples from the movement to support your arguments. After the debate, discuss what you learned from both perspectives.
Research the unique techniques used by artists like Barnett Newman, Helen Frankenthaler, and Jackson Pollock. Create a presentation or visual display that explains these techniques and how they contributed to the development of Abstract Expressionism. Share your findings with the class.
Write a reflective piece on how Abstract Expressionism has influenced modern art and culture. Consider its impact on subsequent art movements and its role in shaping contemporary artistic practices. Discuss whether you think the movement’s legacy is elitist or innovative, providing reasons for your viewpoint.
If you visit a museum with a collection of modern and contemporary art, you’re likely to encounter works that sometimes elicit the response, “My cat could make that, so how is it art?” A movement called Abstract Expressionism, also known as the New York School, often receives this reaction. Abstract Expressionism began in 1943 and developed after the end of World War II. It is characterized by large, primarily abstract paintings, all-over compositions without clear focal points, and sweeping swaths of paint that embody and elicit emotions.
The group of artists considered Abstract Expressionists includes Barnett Newman with his existential zips, Willem de Kooning, known for his distorted representations of women, Helen Frankenthaler, who created soak-stains, and others. However, perhaps the most famous, influential, and thought-provoking artist was Jackson Pollock. Most of his paintings are immediately recognizable, featuring tangled lines of paint bouncing around in every direction on the canvas. While these fields of chaos are big and impressive, one might wonder what makes them significant. Did he just drip the paint at random? Can anyone do that?
The answer to these questions is both yes and no. While Pollock used a technique that anyone could technically replicate, only he could have created his paintings. This paradox relates to his work’s roots in the Surrealist automatic drawings of André Masson and others. These Surrealists drew directly from the unconscious to reveal hidden truths within their minds. Instead of picturing something and then drawing it, they allowed their hands to move automatically, later teasing out familiar figures from the scribbles. Pollock, moving away from representation, created drip or action paintings following a similar premise, though he developed a unique technique and did not seek images or messages hidden in his works.
First, he took the canvas off the easel and laid it on the floor, a subversive act in itself. Then, in a controlled dance, he moved around the canvas, dripping industrial paint onto it from stirrers and other tools, varying his speed and direction to control how the paint made contact with the surface. These movements, like the Surrealist scribbles, were born from Pollock’s subconscious. However, unlike the Surrealists, whose pictures represented the mind’s hidden contents, Pollock’s works were physical manifestations of his psyche. His paintings are signatures of his mind.
In theory, anyone could create a painting that reflects their mind. So why is Pollock so special? It’s important to remember that while anyone could have done what he did, he and the rest of the New York School were the ones who actually executed it. They challenged conventions of painting that had persisted for centuries, forcing the art world to rethink them entirely.
One last reason why Jackson Pollock’s work remains prominent stems from the specific objects he created, which embody fascinating contradictions. For instance, while Pollock’s process resulted in radically flat painted surfaces, the web of painted lines can create the illusion of infinite layered depth when examined closely. The chaos of this tangled mess seems to defy all control, but it is actually the product of a deliberate, though not pre-planned, process. These characteristics elevated Pollock to celebrity status and contributed to his mythologized image as the genius artist.
So rather than leveling the playing field for all creative minds, his work unfortunately reinforced a long-standing elitist aspect of art. Elitist or innovative, the history embedded in Abstract Expressionism is one that no cat, however talented, can claim.
Abstract – Art that does not attempt to represent external reality, but seeks to achieve its effect using shapes, colors, and textures. – The abstract painting in the gallery used bold colors and geometric shapes to convey a sense of chaos.
Expressionism – An art movement where artists seek to express emotional experience rather than physical reality. – The expressionism of the early 20th century allowed artists to convey intense emotions through distorted forms and vivid colors.
Technique – The method or skill applied in a particular art form or field of study. – Mastering the technique of chiaroscuro can significantly enhance the depth and realism in paintings.
Paintings – Artworks created using pigments on a surface such as canvas, paper, or a wall. – The museum’s collection of Renaissance paintings offers a glimpse into the artistic techniques of the period.
Subconscious – The part of the mind that is not fully aware but influences actions and feelings, often explored in surrealist art. – Surrealist artists often delve into the subconscious to create dream-like and fantastical imagery.
Creativity – The use of imagination or original ideas to create something; inventiveness in art. – The artist’s creativity was evident in her ability to transform everyday objects into stunning works of art.
Emotions – Intense feelings that are often expressed through art, influencing both the creation and interpretation of artworks. – The dancer’s performance was a powerful display of emotions, leaving the audience deeply moved.
Canvas – A strong, heavy cloth used as a surface for painting, typically stretched across a wooden frame. – The artist prepared the canvas with a layer of gesso before beginning her latest oil painting.
Artists – Individuals who create art, using various mediums to express ideas, emotions, or a worldview. – Many artists draw inspiration from their surroundings, translating their experiences into visual narratives.
Movement – A style or trend in art with a specific common philosophy or goal, often associated with a particular period. – The Impressionist movement revolutionized the art world by focusing on light and color rather than precise detail.
