Abstract Expressionism Art Movement

USA, 1947 - 1965

Abstract Expressionism Art Movement, History, Abstract Expressionism Paintings, and Abstract Expressionism Artists.

The Abstract Expressionism course of events began in New York in the 1940s. It was the first American artistic movement to have a global impact and put New York City at the epicenter of the art world. Since a large portion of the Abstract Expressionist artists lived in New York at the time, the movement is often called The New York School. Painters of this era invented new ways and approaches to apply paint to canvas in sensational and explorative ways to create new oil paintings. It's the procedure that is the subject of the art itself.

Control vs. Chance, a Generally Stupid Explanation.

In the USA, Alfred Barr was the first to utilize the term in 1929 in connection to works by Wassily Kandinsky for his special art style. This is despite the fact that it was first utilized in 1919 in the German magazine Der Sturm, with respect to German Expressionism. There is an open debate among numerous current art historians who believe that the emphasis on action leaves out control versus chance. The untrained eye may find these depictions unattractive, but these artists used a combination of aptitude and spontaneity to produce the final outcome. Regardless, these types of artworks contain a significant amount of chance, and as a result, some of the artists themselves are unable to create replica art of their works.

Abstract Expressionism Art can best be understood as the idea of a person trying to express their most private sentiments through art. The purpose is to achieve some sort of change, and possibly even redemption. This explanation appears to be more of a psychiatric explanation than an artistic explanation. Without a doubt, as you read numerous biographies of the famous artists, many were not ordinary people, they had issues. To explain Abstract Expressionism as a way to 'transform' or 'find personal redemption' is a ridiculous explanation by art historians and critics.

Jack the Dripper

Action Painting: Jackson Pollock wound up being known as "Jack the Dripper" on account of his dribble and splash techniques that fell upon a canvas laid out on the floor. Yes, there is skill and control. However, there is a great deal of chance in this technique. Willem de Kooning utilized loaded brushes and pompous colors that seemed to collide rather than settle down into co-existence. Mark Tobey's works draw on his investigation of Chinese calligraphy and brush painting, as well as Buddhism. Other famous painters include Lee Krasner, Joan Mitchell, and Grace Hartigan.

Color Field Painting: Using the energy of color, canvases were painted with huge fields of color, enveloping the viewer when looking at the canvas at close quarters. Color field painting avoided the use of a form or figure as backdrop and, rather, the painting seemed to extend past the ends of the canvas. Painters in this style were Mark Rothko, Helen Frankenthaler, Jules Olitski, Kenneth Noland, and Adolph Gottlieb.

Abstract Expressionism evolved through the work of each artist. Every artist arrived at this free-wheeling style before the end of the 1940s and continued in the same manner to the end of their lives. The style has remained alive and well into the present time of art history.

Adapted in part from: abouteducation

Famous Abstract Expressionism Art Movement Oil Painting Reproductions

Abstract Expressionism Art Movement Painters Biography & Painting Reproductions

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