What is Abstract Expressionism Art Movement: A Comprehensive Guide

Abstract Expressionism is an art movement that began in the late 1940s in New York City, and it is often referred to when discussing what is Abstract Expressionism art movement. Known for its emphasis on spontaneity and personal expression, this movement features dynamic gestures and bold colors. It marked a shift in American art, focusing on the artist’s inner emotions rather than realistic depictions. In this article, we will explore its origins, key characteristics, and influential artists.

Key Takeaways

-Abstract Expressionism emerged in the late 1940s as a response to the post-World War II cultural environment, marked by a shift from traditional forms to abstract art.

-Key characteristics of the movement include spontaneity, dynamic gesture painting, large-scale artworks, and emotional intensity, focusing on personal expression and viewer engagement.

-Prominent figures like Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Mark Rothko played crucial roles in shaping the movement, while underrepresented artists, including women and African American artists, significantly contributed to its diversity and depth.

Origins of Abstract Expressionism

Abstract Expressionism began to emerge in the late 1940s, particularly in New York, marking a significant development in American art. This movement was a response to the post-World War II cultural environment in America, reflecting societal changes and the artists’ desire to break away from traditional forms. The experiences from the Great Depression and earlier styles like Social Realism also played a role in this transition from figurative painting to abstract forms.

Clyfford Still is credited with initiating the Abstract Expressionism movement, marking a pivotal point in its development.

Influence of Surrealism

Surrealism served as a major legacy influencing the development of Abstract Expressionism. The Surrealist focus on the unconscious mind, primitivism, and mythology profoundly influenced the themes and concepts embraced by Abstract Expressionist artists. This interest in the unconscious mind played a crucial role in shaping the abstract forms and personal expressions that became hallmarks of the movement.

The Role of World War II

World War II facilitated the influx of European artists to the U.S., significantly impacting the development of the American art scene. This migration brought new ideas and techniques that blended with American artistic practices, fostering the growth of Abstract Expressionism.

The cultural exchange and collaboration between American painters and European artists during this period played a crucial role in shaping the movement’s direction.

Key Characteristics of Abstract Expressionism

Abstract Expressionism is characterized by its emphasis on spontaneity, allowing the creative process to flow naturally. The term abstract expressionism is marked by the use of dynamic gestures and an emphasis on personal expression, reflecting the artist’s inner emotions. Non-representational forms dominate the artworks, moving away from realistic depictions to focus on shapes, colors, and lines.

Artists often created large-scale works to immerse viewers, aiming for an art experience that engages the viewer fully.

Gestural Brushstrokes

Gestural brushstrokes are a key characteristic of Abstract Expressionism, emphasizing spontaneity and the artist’s physical engagement with the paint. Action painting, a form of Abstract Expressionism, involves applying gestural brushstrokes quickly and energetically, creating dynamic movement within the artwork.

These brushstrokes are essential in conveying emotions and a sense of movement, allowing viewers to experience the artist’s emotional state and intention.

Large-Scale Works

Artists in the Abstract Expressionism movement often created monumental pieces to immerse viewers in their emotional landscapes. The preference for expansive canvases was intended to capture the viewer’s attention and promote a sense of involvement with the artwork.

The use of large dimensions allowed artists to create immersive experiences that physically engaged viewers, enhancing the emotional impact of their work.

Emotional Intensity

Abstract Expressionism places a strong emphasis on the emotional intensity of the artwork, allowing artists to express profound feelings and personal experiences in an abstract expressionist style. Artists like Mark Rothko utilized color fields to evoke deep emotional responses, focusing on the viewer’s personal connection to the work.

Combining dynamic brushwork in action painting with tranquil colors in color field painting often represents universal themes of existence, humanity, and the human experience.

Prominent Abstract Expressionists

Key figures in the Abstract Expressionist movement include:

-Jackson Pollock

-Willem de Kooning

-Jackson Pollock Mark Rothko

-Lee Krasner

These artists sought to communicate profound themes such as spirituality, power, and the human condition through their work. Their artworks frequently reflect deep emotional experiences, aiming to communicate universal themes through abstraction.

Jackson Pollock

Jackson Pollock is renowned for his innovative drip painting technique, which revolutionized the art of action painting. Pollock’s innovative drip technique involved using his body and tools to create dynamic movements that projected paint onto the canvas.

Before he developed his drip painting style, Jackson Pollock incorporated primeval themes and archetypal symbolism into his earlier works. Pollock believed in balancing chaos in art by maintaining a level of control in his creative process, famously stating, ‘No chaos, damn it!’.

Willem de Kooning

Willem de Kooning seeks to represent the authenticity of experience in his paintings. In his painting process, de Kooning adds and removes paint to find the desired imagery. One of Willem de Kooning’s most famous works is ‘Excavation’, which includes abstractions of fishes, birds, jaws, eyes, and teeth.

De Kooning’s work exemplifies a dynamic blend of figuration and abstraction, vividly capturing the complexity of human experience.

Mark Rothko

Rothko’s color field paintings are characterized by large, soft-edged blocks of color that define the visual experience. These paintings are designed to evoke emotional responses through their use of color and form. Rothko’s work emphasizes the importance of emotional engagement in the viewer’s experience of art.

Mark Rothko is recognized as a leading figure in the color field painting movement.

Types of Abstract Expressionism

Abstract Expressionist artworks typically avoid realistic representations, focusing instead on shapes, colors, and lines to form their images in abstract art. The movement is divided into two main categories: action painting, which focuses on dynamic brushwork, and color field painting, characterized by expansive areas of color. Abstract expressionist paintings exemplify these principles through their unique styles.

Action Painting

Jackson Pollock developed the drip technique in 1947, which became a hallmark of action painting. Action painters like Pollock and de Kooning often used large brushes to create expressive strokes, underscoring the importance of the physical act of painting.

Action painting emphasizes the physical process and energy involved in the act of painting.

Color Field Painting

Color field painting emerged as artists like Rothko and Newman created large, flat sections of color intended to evoke contemplation from viewers. Rothko initially experimented with abstract symbols before transitioning to abstract color fields, focusing on broad swathes of color.

Clement Greenberg viewed Rothko’s work as an evolution of formalism, identifying it as a significant development within Abstract Expressionism.

The New York School

The New York School was a pivotal group of artists who dominated the post-World War II art scene, marking a significant shift in modern art. Robert Motherwell introduced the term ‘New York School’ in 1949 to describe the group of Abstract Expressionists working in Manhattan.

The collective efforts of the New York School artists reflected a profound engagement with the emotional and spontaneous aspects of painting.

Artistic Community

The artistic environment in New York City during the 1940s and 1950s was characterized by a blend of collaboration and rivalry among artists in the art world, which fostered a dynamic creative atmosphere. Informal exchanges of ideas at places like the Cedar Bar and various downtown studios were common.

The Club, established in 1949, became a central meeting place for artists to share ideas and critique each other’s work. These vibrant venues facilitated essential discussions and collaborations among artists, contributing to the movement’s vitality.

Influence on Contemporary Art

Abstract Expressionism played a crucial role in shifting the center of modern art from Europe to New York, impacting the direction of art in the following decades. The practices of the New York School significantly influenced the development of modern art and established New York as the epicenter of artistic innovation in the postwar era.

The New York School transformed contemporary art by introducing new styles that prioritized personal expression and emotional depth.

Later Developments and Legacy

By the late 1950s, Abstract Expressionism had begun to lose its centrality in art discourse, as younger artists sought different expressive styles. The decline of the movement allowed for the emergence of new art movements that distanced themselves from its heroic ideals.

Despite this decline, the New York School continued to influence various movements such as Minimalism and Pop Art, maintaining its prominence in global art until the 1980s.

Post-Painterly Abstraction

Post-painterly abstraction emerged as a movement that sought to refine and clarify the ideas presented in Abstract Expressionism. Artists in this movement aimed to create a new kind of contact between the painting and the viewer, utilizing size and color to enhance this interaction.

This movement emphasizes clarity and formalism, moving away from the emotional chaos typically associated with Abstract Expressionism.

Influence on Modern Art

Artists of the New York School influenced contemporary practices by emphasizing individual expression and abstract forms. The principles of Abstract Expressionism have been absorbed into various contemporary practices, including installation and mixed media art.

Abstract Expressionism’s influence is evident in performance art and movements like Gutai, continuing to redefine artistic expression.

Recognizing Underrepresented Artists

The contributions of underrepresented artists within the Abstract Expressionist movement are significant yet often overlooked. Arshile Gorky was known for his energetic and vibrant approach, becoming a significant advocate for aesthetic experimentation in the realm of Abstract Expressionism.

Women Artists

Significant female artists associated with Abstract Expressionism include Mary Abbott, Jay DeFeo, Perle Fine, Helen Frankenthaler, Sonia Gechtoff, Judith Godwin, Grace Hartigan, Elaine de Kooning, Joan Mitchell, and Deborah Remington.

Helen Frankenthaler created a significant painting titled ‘Mountains and Sea’ in 1952, using a staining method with thinned paint to create an integrated and transparent effect. Lee Krasner’s painting ‘Thaw’ conveys themes of joyous spring, vibrant color, and abstract nature, reflecting the emotional intensity characteristic of the movement.

Despite their substantial contributions, female painters largely faced challenges during the Abstract Expressionism movement, including being absent from literature and documentation. Elaine de Kooning served as an editorial associate at ARTnews, where she wrote reviews on fellow Abstract Expressionists, showcasing her significant role in the art community.

African American Artists

Norman Lewis and Ed Clark contributed to Abstract Expressionism with unique perspectives and techniques. Lewis’s emotionally charged experiences and the challenges of being a man of color are reflected in his work, such as ‘Evening Rendezvous’, which conjures up hooded Klansmen around a bonfire. The distinctive colors and somber mood conveyed in ‘Evening Rendezvous’ illustrate the profound impact of his personal experiences on his art.

These artists brought a rich diversity to the movement, enriching its scope and depth.

Summary

Abstract Expressionism, emerging in the late 1940s in New York, profoundly transformed the art world by emphasizing spontaneity, personal expression, and non-representational forms. Influenced by Surrealism and shaped by the post-World War II cultural environment, this movement marked a significant departure from traditional artistic styles. Artists like Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Mark Rothko became iconic figures, each contributing unique techniques and emotional depth to the movement.

The movement’s key characteristics, such as gestural brushstrokes, large-scale works, and emotional intensity, set it apart from previous art forms. The New York School played a pivotal role, fostering a dynamic artistic community and influencing contemporary art practices. Despite its decline in the mid-1950s, Abstract Expressionism’s legacy continued through movements like post-painterly abstraction and its lasting impact on modern art.

Recognizing the contributions of underrepresented artists, including women and African American painters, highlights the movement’s diversity and depth. Their works enriched Abstract Expressionism and broadened its scope. As we reflect on this transformative movement, it becomes clear that Abstract Expressionism not only redefined artistic expression but also paved the way for future innovations in art.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Abstract Expressionism?

Abstract Expressionism is an art movement that arose in New York in the late 1940s, defined by spontaneous and personal expression through non-representational forms. It emphasizes the artist's emotional experience as pivotal in the creation of the artwork.

Who are some prominent Abstract Expressionist artists?

Prominent Abstract Expressionist artists include Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, and Lee Krasner. Their contributions significantly shaped the art movement.

What are the main types of Abstract Expressionism?

The main types of Abstract Expressionism are action painting, which emphasizes dynamic brushwork, and color field painting, noted for its expansive areas of color. These two approaches highlight the movement's exploration of emotion and abstraction.

How did World War II influence Abstract Expressionism?

World War II profoundly influenced Abstract Expressionism by bringing a wave of European artists to the U.S., which enriched the American art movement and contributed to its evolution. This exchange fostered a unique blend of styles and ideas, shaping the trajectory of modern art in America.

How did underrepresented artists contribute to Abstract Expressionism?

Underrepresented artists, including women and African American creators like Helen Frankenthaler and Norman Lewis, significantly enhanced Abstract Expressionism by introducing unique perspectives and innovative techniques that enriched the movement's diversity and complexity.