What type of art was created during the Abstract Expressionist art movement?
Paintings, print designs and installations were produced during the Abstract Expressionist art movement.
Abstract Expressionism was created and popular during which years?
Abstract Expressionism became popular in the 1940s in New York after World War 2. However, there have been instances where abstract expressionism has been used in pieces predating the 40’s. This movement lasted even till the 1970s and 80s.
Where was Abstract Expressionism made and popularised?
Abstract Expressionism became popular in Europe, the USA and even parts of Asia.
Who are some famous Abstract Expressionist artists and artworks?
Mural by Jackson Pollock
The Sorrows of the King by Henri Matisse
Woman and Bicycle by Williem de Kooning
Interesting observations about Abstract Expressionism – Art Op-Ed
As the name suggests, Abstract Expressionism is all about implying how you feel through art. In other words, this movement captured the implications of artists’ expressions. For a novice, the emotions expressed in these paintings can be difficult to interpret. This is why having an accurate understanding of the artist’s emotions in an abstract expressionist painting might just mean that you are an art connoisseur.
Abstract Expressionism challenged not just the painters but also the viewers. Both painters and viewers have to tap into the depths of their minds to express and understand an abstruse array of emotions on the canvas. A language of expression and empathy is established through abstract expressionist artwork.
Which art movement(s) came before the Abstract Expressionism movement?
Expressionism, Modernism and Surrealism were the movements that came before the Abstract Expressionism art movement.
Which art movement(s) came after the Abstract Expressionism movement?
Contemporary and Pop-art movements came during or after Abstract Expressionism.
Top 10 artworks of the Abstract Expressionism Art Movement:
No. 5 by Jackson Pollock (1948):
“No. 5” stands as a testament to Jackson Pollock’s groundbreaking drip painting technique. Legend has it that Pollock approached the canvas with an unrestrained energy, moving around it like a dancer in a frenzied ritual. The chaotic interplay of drips and splatters in this masterpiece reflects not only Pollock’s mastery but also the subconscious energy he channelled onto the canvas. “No. 5” is not just a painting; it’s a dance frozen in time, capturing the essence of abstract expressionism.
Woman I by Willem de Kooning (1950):
Willem de Kooning’s “Woman I” is a bold and provocative exploration of the female form. Apparently, de Kooning’s approach was both intense and intuitive, with the painting evolving through numerous transformations. The distorted and aggressive portrayal of the woman reflects the emotional intensity of de Kooning’s process. “Woman I” is not just a representation; it’s a visceral expression of the artist’s complex relationship with the subject and a powerful statement within the abstract expressionist movement.
The Deep by Jackson Pollock (1953):
“The Deep” is Jackson Pollock’s journey into the depths of his subconscious. Reports speak of Pollock’s transformative process, as he stood above the canvas, dripping and pouring paint with a sense of abandon. The layered complexity of “The Deep” mirrors the mysterious and profound nature of the unconscious mind. It’s as if Pollock plunged into the abyss of his thoughts, and the canvas became a reflection of the tumultuous depths within.
The Blue Nudes by Henri Matisse:
Henri Matisse, though not traditionally associated with abstract expressionism, created “The Blue Nudes” as a celebration of form and colour. Matisse, in his later years, was physically limited which made him embrace this new artistic language. These cut-out figures, composed of vibrant blue shapes, exude a sense of freedom and playfulness. Matisse’s ability to convey profound emotion through simple yet dynamic forms marks “The Blue Nudes” as a masterful transition in his artistic journey.
Mountains and Sea by Helen Frankenthaler:
Helen Frankenthaler’s “Mountains and Sea” is a pivotal work that ushered in the era of colour field painting. Frankenthaler pioneered the soak-stain technique, allowing thinned paint to permeate the unprimed canvas. The result is a harmonious and ethereal landscape of colour. “Mountains and Sea” is not just a painting; it’s a revelation of the canvas as a space for colour to breathe and take on a life of its own.
The Liver is the Cock’s Comb by Arshile Gorky (1944):
Arshile Gorky’s “The Liver is the Cock’s Comb” is a deeply personal and enigmatic masterpiece. It is said that Gorky drew inspiration from his Armenian heritage, creating a visual narrative that intertwines memory, emotion, and the subconscious. The title itself reflects Gorky’s penchant for cryptic language. The painting, with its organic forms and vibrant palette, is a journey into Gorky’s psyche, inviting viewers to decipher the layers of meaning.
Ciphers and Constellations in Love with a Woman by Joan Miró (1941):
Joan Miró’s “Ciphers and Constellations in Love with a Woman” is a surreal and poetic exploration of the subconscious. Miró’s fascination with automatic drawing and his belief in tapping into the realm of dreams is highlighted in this artwork. The whimsical symbols and enigmatic shapes in this artwork are like visual poetry, inviting viewers to interpret their own narratives. Miró’s ability to blend abstraction with a touch of the fantastical makes this painting a unique gem within abstract expressionism.
Red Abstraction by Alma Woodsey Thomas (1960):
Alma Woodsey Thomas’s “Red Abstraction” is a symphony of colour and form. Thomas’s distinctive style is characterised by vibrant hues and intricate patterns. As an African American female artist, Thomas broke barriers in the art world. “Red Abstraction” reflects her bold and unapologetic approach. The painting is a celebration of joy and life, with each brushstroke contributing to a harmonious visual composition.
Oxidation Painting by Andy Warhol (1978):
Andy Warhol’s “Oxidation Painting” is a departure from his more familiar pop art. Allegedly, Warhol embraced a form of artistic alchemy by urinating on a canvas of metallic copper pigment. The chemical reactions that followed created unpredictable and unique patterns. “Oxidation Painting” challenges traditional notions of artistic control, inviting contemplation on the intersection of the intentional and the accidental in the creative process.
Atmosphere and Environment X by Louise Nevelson (1969):
Louise Nevelson’s “Atmosphere and Environment X” is a sculptural marvel that blurs the lines between painting and sculpture. The artwork shows Nevelson’s mastery of assemblage, as she composed discarded wooden pieces into a monochromatic symphony. The play of light and shadow within the intricate wooden forms creates a dynamic visual experience. “Atmosphere and Environment X” is a testament to Nevelson’s ability to sculpt not just objects but entire atmospheres.
These artworks provide glimpses into the creative processes, inspirations, and personal journeys of the artists behind these abstract expressionism masterpieces. Each artwork is a chapter in the larger narrative of a movement that sought to redefine the boundaries of artistic expression at every turn. As viewers, we are invited to immerse ourselves in the stories behind the canvases, unlocking new layers of understanding and appreciation for the legacy of the Abstract Expressionist Art Movement.
*Images from Wiki Commons
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