Abstract Expressionism: Both Emotional and Formal This movement began in New York after World War II - shows a desire to hold onto humanity during an insane time. Rooted in the styles of Kandinsky and Gorky from Europe. It is both abstract / formal (without recognizable subject matter) and expressive / emotional. a.k.a “Action Painting” – emphasizes energy, action, kineticism (i.e. kinetic energy). THEORY: The image is the result of creative process (NOT a preconceived idea) New approaches / methods were used to create this effect. Major debate at this time: what is art?
Jackson Pollock and his drip method… https://youtu.be/EncR_T0faKM
Jackson Pollock’s earlier abstract work…
Slide #37: Jackson Pollock’s mature style – called “action painting”…
Slide #38: Willem de Kooning, one of Pollock’s famous contemporaries / rivals… Loosely based figures
Slide #39: Franz Kline Inspired by his own sketches blown up with a projector