11.3 Abstract Expressionism's cultural context and impact

Abstract Expressionism emerged in post-WWII America, reflecting anxiety and cultural shifts. The movement gained traction as the US became a superpower, with New York replacing Paris as the art world's center. European artists fleeing fascism brought new influences.

Critics, museums, and galleries promoted Abstract Expressionism, shaping its perception. The movement's emphasis on individualism and freedom aligned with American values during the Cold War. Its impact on global art movements and the art market continues to resonate today.

Factors for Abstract Expressionism

Post-War Climate and Cultural Shifts

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  Sabra (1966) - Franz Kline (1910-1962) | Belem, Berardo Coll… | Flickr View original

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  Head (1938-1941) - Jackson Pollock (1912-1956) | Belem, Bera… | Flickr View original

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  Abstract Expressionism – Introduction To Art View original

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• World War II aftermath created anxiety and existential questioning reflected in non-representational forms and emotional intensity
• United States rose as global superpower shifted art world center from Paris to New York
• Influx of European artists fleeing fascism brought surrealist and avant-garde influences (André Breton, Max Ernst)
• Cold War era emphasized individualism and freedom of expression aligned with abstract expressionism's focus on personal gesture
• G.I. Bill enabled artists to pursue higher education fostering intellectually engaged painters breaking from traditions

Psychological and Societal Influences

• Atomic bomb and Holocaust impact led artists to reject representational art for more abstract forms
• Growing 1950s consumer culture and mass media prompted artists to seek authentic immediate expression
• Abstract expressionism positioned as symbol of American cultural values during Cold War
• Artists explored subconscious mind and emotional states through spontaneous gestures and color (Jackson Pollock's drip paintings)

Promotion of Abstract Expressionism

Critical Support and Institutional Backing

• Influential critics Clement Greenberg and Harold Rosenberg shaped perceptions through theorizing and championing the movement
• Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) under Alfred H. Barr Jr. actively promoted abstract expressionism through exhibitions and acquisitions
• Commercial galleries (Betty Parsons Gallery, Sidney Janis Gallery) provided crucial early support organizing exhibitions and connecting artists with collectors
• Art magazine "Art News" edited by Thomas Hess became platform for discussing and promoting abstract expressionism

Government Involvement and International Exposure

• CIA covertly funded abstract expressionist exhibitions abroad as part of Cold War cultural diplomacy
• Major retrospectives and traveling exhibitions introduced the movement to wider audiences domestically and internationally
• Development of specific art criticism focused on formal qualities and artistic process created vocabulary for understanding non-representational art
• Abstract expressionism exhibitions used as cultural ambassadors showcasing American creativity and freedom (1959 American National Exhibition in Moscow)

Impact of Abstract Expressionism

Influence on Global Art Movements

• Abstract expressionism's gesture scale and non-representational form influenced European movements (Tachisme, Art Informel)
• Focus on act of painting and physical properties of paint influenced emergence of performance art and happenings in 1960s
• Rejection of traditional compositional rules paved way for minimalism and conceptual art
• Celebration of individualism and spontaneity influenced development of neo-expressionism in 1980s (Georg Baselitz, Anselm Kiefer)

Shifts in Art World Dynamics

• Success in establishing New York as art world center shifted global art market dynamics
• Emphasis on large-scale works influenced architectural and public art practices leading to monumental sculptures and site-specific installations
• Exploration of sublime and transcendent aspects influenced spiritual and meditative approaches in later abstract movements (color field painting)
• Abstract expressionism's market success set precedent for high-value contemporary art sales (Willem de Kooning's "Interchange" sold for $300 million in 2015)

Legacy of Abstract Expressionism

Influence on Contemporary Practices

• Emphasis on process and materiality continues to influence contemporary painting practices (Cecily Brown, Julie Mehretu)
• Exploration of scale and immersive environments informed installation art and experiential art practices
• Focus on artist's individual psyche and emotional expression remains relevant in discussions of identity and subjectivity
• Critical and market success established model for promotion and institutionalization of avant-garde movements

Ongoing Relevance and Reinterpretation

• Emphasis on spontaneity and gesture reinterpreted in digital and new media art translating physical action into virtual environments
• Challenge to traditional notions of skill and representation informs debates about nature of art and artistic value
• Association with American cultural identity provides context for examining relationship between art politics and national identity in global contemporary art
• Abstract expressionism's techniques and philosophies adapted by contemporary artists addressing current social and political issues (Mark Bradford's abstract works exploring race and class)