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Understanding Abstract Expressionism

Abstract Expressionism is a movement characterized by spontaneous and gestural brush-strokes, developed by American artists like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko in the 1940s and 1950s. It combines elements of abstraction and expressionism, aiming to evoke emotional responses through non-representational art. The movement gained international recognition and was primarily centered in New York City, influenced by surrealist ideas and the concept of unconscious creativity.

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5 views15 pages

Understanding Abstract Expressionism

Abstract Expressionism is a movement characterized by spontaneous and gestural brush-strokes, developed by American artists like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko in the 1940s and 1950s. It combines elements of abstraction and expressionism, aiming to evoke emotional responses through non-representational art. The movement gained international recognition and was primarily centered in New York City, influenced by surrealist ideas and the concept of unconscious creativity.

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Abstract Expressionism

Diana Snopok
Contents
Contents
1. Abstract + Expressionism
2. Abstract Expressionism at it’s core
3. Two types of Abstract Expressionism
4. History of the Movement
5. Examples
6.
7.
Two words: abstract and
expressionism
Abstract (abstractionism) - Abstract art
is art that does not attempt to represent
an accurate depiction of a visual reality
but instead uses shapes, colours, forms
and gestural marks to achieve its effect
Two words: abstract and expressionism

Expressionism - aims to present the


world solely from a subjective
perspective, distorting it radically
for emotional effect to evoke moods
or ideas.
Abstract Expressionism
Abstract expressionism is the term applied to new forms of abstract art developed by
American painters such as Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko and Willem de Kooning in
the 1940s and 1950s.

It is often characterised by gestural brush-strokes or mark-making, and the


impression of spontaneity
Two types of abstract expressionism

action painters the colour field painters


Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, Barnett Newman and ClyffordStill

attacked their canvases with expressive brush strokes filled their canvases with large areas of a single
colour.
Two Types of Abstract Expressionism

action painters the colour field painters


Jackson Pollock, “number 23” Mark Rothko
History of the Movement
The abstract expressionists were mostly based in New York City, and also became
known as the New York school.
The name evokes their aim to make art that while abstract was also expressive or
emotional in its effect.
History of the Movement
The first American art movement to reach international popularity, due to the
political propaganda of the US government.

They were inspired by the surrealist idea that art should come from the unconscious
mind, and by the automatism of artist Joan Miró.
Examples
“Black on
Maroon” by Mark
Rothko
“The Visit” by
Willem de
Kooning
“Landscape At
Stanton Street” by
Willem de
Kooning
Thank you for your attention

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