8.7 Abstract expressionism

Abstract expressionism emerged after World War II, reflecting the tumultuous social climate. It shifted the art world's center from Europe to New York, emphasizing individual expression, spontaneity, and the unconscious mind in artistic creation.

The movement developed during America's economic prosperity, aligning with themes of freedom and individualism. It drew inspiration from Surrealism, Cubism, and German Expressionism, adapting these influences to create a uniquely American art form.

Origins of abstract expressionism

• Emerged in the aftermath of World War II as a revolutionary art movement reflecting the tumultuous social and cultural climate of the time
• Represented a shift from European-centered art world to New York as the new global art capital
• Emphasized individual expression, spontaneity, and the unconscious mind in artistic creation

Post-war American context

Top images from around the web for Post-war American context

• 

  Abstract Expressionism – Introduction To Art View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Abstract expressionism - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Cold War | OER Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Abstract Expressionism – Introduction To Art View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Abstract expressionism - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Post-war American context

• 

  Abstract Expressionism – Introduction To Art View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Abstract expressionism - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Cold War | OER Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Abstract Expressionism – Introduction To Art View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Abstract expressionism - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Developed during a period of economic prosperity and cultural optimism in the United States
• Reflected the nation's newfound global dominance and desire for cultural independence from Europe
• Responded to the existential anxieties and psychological trauma of the post-atomic age
• Embraced themes of freedom and individualism, aligning with American values during the Cold War era

European influences

• Drew inspiration from Surrealism's exploration of the unconscious and automatic techniques
• Incorporated elements of Cubism's fragmentation and abstraction of form
• Influenced by the expressive brushwork and emotional intensity of German Expressionism
• Adapted ideas from Wassily Kandinsky's theories on the spiritual nature of abstract art

New York School emergence

• Centered around a group of artists working in New York City in the 1940s and 1950s
• Included painters, sculptors, and poets who frequented the Cedar Tavern and other downtown haunts
• Supported by influential critics and gallerists (Clement Greenberg, Harold Rosenberg, Peggy Guggenheim)
• Gained prominence through exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art and other New York galleries

Key characteristics

• Emphasized non-representational forms and expressive use of color, line, and texture
• Rejected traditional artistic conventions and embraced spontaneity and improvisation
• Sought to convey deep emotional and psychological states through abstract visual language

Gestural vs color field

• Gestural abstraction focused on dynamic, expressive brushstrokes and paint application
  • Characterized by energetic, seemingly chaotic compositions
  • Emphasized the physical act of painting and the artist's bodily movements
• Color field painting explored large areas of flat, solid color to evoke emotional responses
  • Aimed to create a meditative, immersive viewing experience
  • Often employed subtle variations in hue and tone to create depth and movement

Large-scale canvases

• Utilized monumental canvases that engulfed the viewer's field of vision
• Created an immersive, environmental experience that challenged traditional easel painting
• Allowed for expansive gestural movements and grand color field compositions
• Reflected the artists' desire to create a sense of awe and transcendence

Emphasis on process

• Prioritized the act of creation over the finished product
• Embraced chance, accident, and improvisation as integral parts of the artistic process
• Viewed the canvas as an arena for action rather than a space for representation
• Often left visible evidence of the painting process (drips, splatters, brush marks) in the final work

Major artists and works

• Represented diverse approaches to abstract expressionism, from gestural to color field painting
• Achieved international recognition and influenced subsequent generations of artists
• Challenged traditional notions of artistic skill and beauty through innovative techniques

Jackson Pollock's drip paintings

• Developed the revolutionary "drip" or "pour" technique of painting
• Created all-over compositions with no central focus or hierarchy of elements
• Used unconventional materials (house paint, sticks, syringes) to apply paint to canvas
• Key works include "Lavender Mist" (1950) and "Blue Poles" (1952)
• Embodied the idea of "action painting" coined by critic Harold Rosenberg

Willem de Kooning's women series

• Blended figurative elements with abstract expressionist techniques
• Explored the female form through aggressive brushwork and distorted anatomy
• Created a sense of tension between representation and abstraction
• Notable works include "Woman I" (1950-52) and "Woman II" (1952)
• Sparked controversy for their violent and ambiguous depictions of the female figure

Mark Rothko's color fields

• Developed a distinctive style of large-scale, color-saturated abstract paintings
• Created compositions of rectangular color forms with soft, blurred edges
• Aimed to evoke deep emotional and spiritual responses in viewers
• Key works include "Orange and Yellow" (1956) and the Rothko Chapel murals (1964-67)
• Emphasized the transcendental potential of color and form in art

Techniques and materials

• Revolutionized traditional painting methods and materials
• Experimented with unconventional tools and techniques to achieve desired effects
• Emphasized the physical properties of paint and the gestural act of painting

Action painting methods

• Involved energetic, physical engagement with the canvas
• Utilized techniques such as dripping, pouring, and splattering paint
• Incorporated whole-body movements to create dynamic, expressive marks
• Often worked with canvases laid on the floor to allow for 360-degree access
• Embraced chance and spontaneity in the creative process

Color theory application

• Explored the emotional and psychological impact of color relationships
• Utilized color field techniques to create immersive, meditative experiences
• Experimented with color saturation, temperature, and contrast
• Employed techniques such as layering and glazing to achieve subtle color effects
• Drew inspiration from theories of Josef Albers and other color theorists

Non-traditional tools

• Expanded beyond traditional paintbrushes to include a variety of implements
• Used house painting tools (rollers, spray guns) for large-scale application
• Incorporated industrial materials (house paint, automotive paint) for durability and flow
• Experimented with found objects (sticks, trowels, basting syringes) for unique mark-making
• Adapted printmaking techniques (stencils, screen printing) to achieve textural effects

Philosophical underpinnings

• Reflected broader cultural and intellectual trends of the mid-20th century
• Sought to express universal human experiences and emotions through abstract forms
• Emphasized the role of the unconscious mind and spontaneous creation in art

Existentialism and individualism

• Aligned with existentialist philosophy's focus on individual freedom and responsibility
• Emphasized the artist's authentic self-expression and personal vision
• Rejected predetermined meanings or interpretations of artworks
• Viewed the act of creation as a means of asserting one's existence and agency
• Reflected post-war anxieties about human existence and the search for meaning

Jungian psychology influence

• Drew inspiration from Carl Jung's theories of the collective unconscious and archetypes
• Sought to tap into universal symbols and primordial imagery through abstraction
• Explored the role of myth and symbolism in artistic creation
• Emphasized the integration of conscious and unconscious elements in the creative process
• Influenced artists like Jackson Pollock and Adolph Gottlieb in their use of symbolic forms

Zen Buddhism connections

• Incorporated aspects of Zen philosophy, particularly its emphasis on spontaneity and intuition
• Explored concepts of emptiness, impermanence, and non-attachment in abstract compositions
• Influenced by the calligraphic traditions of East Asian art and philosophy
• Emphasized the importance of direct experience and non-verbal communication in art
• Reflected in the meditative qualities of color field painting and the spontaneity of action painting

Critical reception and impact

• Sparked intense debate and controversy in the art world and broader culture
• Challenged traditional notions of artistic skill, beauty, and meaning
• Established abstract expressionism as a dominant force in mid-20th century art

Contemporary art world reactions

• Initially met with skepticism and ridicule from conservative critics and audiences
• Gradually gained support from influential critics (Clement Greenberg, Harold Rosenberg)
• Celebrated for its innovative techniques and expressive power by avant-garde circles
• Debated in terms of its relationship to American cultural and political ideologies
• Sparked discussions about the role of abstraction and emotion in modern art

Public perception vs critical acclaim

• Often misunderstood or dismissed by the general public as "childish" or "random"
• Gained increasing critical recognition and institutional support over time
• Featured in high-profile exhibitions and acquired by major museums worldwide
• Became a symbol of American cultural achievement during the Cold War era
• Gradually influenced popular culture and design, expanding its reach beyond fine art circles

Influence on subsequent movements

• Paved the way for later abstract movements (Color Field, Minimalism, Post-Painterly Abstraction)
• Inspired performance art and happenings through its emphasis on process and action
• Influenced the development of Neo-Expressionism in the 1980s
• Impacted contemporary painting practices and conceptual approaches to art-making
• Continued to shape discussions about abstraction, emotion, and individuality in art

Abstract expressionism vs other movements

• Represented a significant departure from preceding art movements
• Shared certain elements with contemporary and subsequent artistic trends
• Influenced and was influenced by global artistic developments

Surrealism comparison

• Shared an interest in tapping into the unconscious mind and automatic techniques
• Differed in its rejection of representational imagery and narrative elements
• Emphasized spontaneous gesture and abstraction over dream-like juxtapositions
• Focused on the act of creation rather than the depiction of subconscious imagery
• Influenced by Surrealist ideas of psychic automatism and free association

Pop art contrast

• Emerged as a reaction against the emotional intensity and individualism of Abstract Expressionism
• Embraced popular culture and mass-produced imagery, in contrast to Abstract Expressionism's focus on the inner self
• Utilized mechanical reproduction techniques rather than gestural brushwork
• Emphasized irony and detachment instead of emotional expression
• Shared an interest in large-scale works and bold color palettes

Minimalism relationship

• Developed partly as a response to the perceived excesses of Abstract Expressionism
• Shared an interest in non-representational forms and large-scale works
• Differed in its emphasis on simplicity, geometric forms, and industrial materials
• Rejected the emotional and gestural aspects of Abstract Expressionism
• Influenced by Abstract Expressionism's exploration of color relationships and spatial effects

Global influence and legacy

• Expanded beyond its American origins to impact international art scenes
• Inspired diverse interpretations and adaptations in different cultural contexts
• Continued to influence contemporary abstract painting practices worldwide

European abstract expressionism

• Developed parallel movements in France (Tachisme) and Germany (Art Informel)
• Incorporated elements of European artistic traditions and philosophical ideas
• Key figures included Jean Dubuffet, Pierre Soulages, and Hans Hartung
• Emphasized gestural abstraction and material experimentation
• Reflected post-war European experiences and cultural reconstruction

Japanese Gutai group

• Formed in 1954, influenced by Abstract Expressionism's emphasis on action and materiality
• Expanded beyond painting to include performance and installation art
• Key artists included Jiro Yoshihara, Kazuo Shiraga, and Atsuko Tanaka
• Emphasized the relationship between body, matter, and spirit in artistic creation
• Developed unique approaches to action painting and material experimentation

Contemporary abstract painting

• Continues to draw inspiration from Abstract Expressionist techniques and philosophies
• Incorporates new materials, technologies, and conceptual approaches
• Explores intersections with digital art, installation, and performance
• Addresses contemporary social and political issues through abstract visual language
• Reinterprets Abstract Expressionist ideas in the context of globalization and digital culture

Theoretical debates

• Sparked ongoing discussions about the nature of art, creativity, and cultural value
• Challenged traditional art historical narratives and critical frameworks
• Continues to be reevaluated in light of changing social and cultural perspectives

Greenberg's formalist critique

• Emphasized the importance of medium specificity and "flatness" in painting
• Argued for the progression of modernist art towards pure abstraction
• Championed color field painting as the logical culmination of Abstract Expressionism
• Influenced the development of Post-Painterly Abstraction and Minimalism
• Criticized for its narrow focus on formal qualities and exclusion of social context

Gender and race representation

• Questioned the dominance of white male artists in the Abstract Expressionist canon
• Explored the contributions of women artists (Lee Krasner, Helen Frankenthaler, Joan Mitchell)
• Examined the role of artists of color (Norman Lewis, Alma Thomas) in the movement
• Analyzed the gendered language and stereotypes associated with Abstract Expressionism
• Reevaluated the movement's claims to universality and individualism in light of identity politics

Authenticity and originality questions

• Debated the role of spontaneity and unconscious creation in Abstract Expressionist works
• Examined the tension between improvisation and careful composition in the artistic process
• Questioned the cult of personality surrounding Abstract Expressionist artists
• Explored issues of authorship and intentionality in non-representational art
• Analyzed the impact of market forces and institutional validation on artistic authenticity