World War II was a tumultuous and trying time in American history. Not
since World War I had the United States populace been forced to endure an
uncertainty of what the future would hold for America and her people.
With death and destruction looming everywhere one was to turn, it is
almost inconceivable that anything of positive value could emerge from such
devastation. The war changed many aspects of American living, personal beliefs
and forms of self-expression.
As novelist set out to change the world with the written word, artist,
too, began to view the world in a more abstract light, foregoing the more
traditional forms of seeing and painting, Abstract Expressionist depicted the
world around them as turbulent, hostile and even distorted.
Budding in New York City during the mid- 1940's, abstract painting, or
action painting, was a movement that broke away from the influence of Europe and
in fact became an important transformation of independence in the American Art
Movement.
Abstract Expressionist left behind the moderate, easel bound canvases for
a larger, even over-sized surface that was often placed upon the floor. Adhering
to their own ideas and rules, abstract artist steered away from the traditional,
aesthetic "form" painting and instead utilized the entire canvas with their
methods of splattering, dripping and broad brush strokes.
Accidents occurring during the painting process were considered to be an
enhancement to the work and were incorporated as part of the overall theme.
Abstract Expressionist practiced a variety of techniques to convey their
messages. Jackson Pollock, (1912-1956)
whose work has often been referred to as turbulent yet graceful, would
create his paintings by placing a large canvas onto his studio floor and then he
would pour, toss or splatter his various hues over the entire canvas.
Mark Rothko, (1903-1970) also an action painter, would use saturated
colors and broad impasto brush strokes while creating a rhythmic composition
through the use of squares and rectangles. Some artist would combine
splattering, tossing, dripping and impasto techniques to complete their
paintings.
New York was becoming "Abstract City" as more and more artists began to
follow the new school of art. Europe, during this period, was also experiencing
an increase in abstract expressionist. The Europeans referred to their abstract
movement as either tachism, which is French for "spot", which stresses the use
of colored patches while Art Informel rejected the use of formal structures and
had very close ties to the New York action painting.
The Abstract Expressionism movement had a great run, and by mid 1960's had
began to lose its impact on the American art culture. New movements such as Pop
Art and Minimalism began to strongly influence the art community and the
artists, in keeping with the times, began to engage in the new movement.
However, not every artist abandoned his or her expressionist roots. Many
continued to pursue their calling as Abstractionist and some even took the form
to new heights of visual and philosophical levels.
Abstract Expressionism, although not dominating today's art scene, is
still practiced by many artists. While some still use the traditional abstract
painting methods, others have found the use of modern technology to fulfill
their ambition. The paint ball gun has been used by many artists to paint upon
canvases that have been secured upright and then fired at with various colors of
paintballs. Others have even found ways to use the computer to generate works of
abstract art, and some will use what ever is at their grasp, from liquid bingo
markers to paint- filled spray bottles. Regardless of their technique, one thing
remains unchanged: Their need for self-expression.
Abstract Expressionism, defined with images
of works from art history, great quotations, and links to other resources.
... Critics of Abstract Expressionism: ...
The modern art movement abstract
expressionism is discussed at Biddington's Pedigree & Provenance--a words &
terms related to fine art & antiques collecting at ...
Abstract Expressionism, Masters, Artists,
Art History and Visual Arts, Artist Resources at World Wide Arts
ResourcesWorld Wide Arts Resources provides access ...
abstract expressionism, movement of
abstract painting that emerged in New York City during the mid-1940s and
attained singular prominence in American art in ...
encyclopediaEncyclopedia abstract
expressionism. ... Related content from HighBeam Research on: abstract
expressionism. Abstract Expressionism. (Classroom Use). ...
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