Revolutions in Painting
Why might an artist choose to paint abstractly instead of representationallydepicting figures, shapes, objects or scenes? What kinds of choices do artists make when painting?
Take a close look at One: Number 31, by Jackson Pollock… What words would you describe this painting? Jackson Pollock. One: Number 31, 1950
How would you describe the lines in the painting? Jackson Pollock. One: Number 31, 1950
What gestures or movements did Pollock make, based on what you see? Jackson Pollock. One: Number 31, 1950
How does Frankenthaler use lines to create shapes? What kinds of shapes do you see in her work? What gestures or movements did Frankenthaler have to make, based on what you see? Lets look at Jacob's Ladder by Helen Frankenthaler… Helen Frankenthaler, Jacobs Ladder, 1928
How are these paintings similar? How are they different? Lets compare Pollock and Frankenthaler… Helen Frankenthaler, Jacobs Ladder, 1928 Jackson Pollock. One: Number 31, 1950
Frankenthaler has spoken about opposites in her workabout a combination of freedom and restraint; accident and control. Helen Frankenthaler, Jacobs Ladder, 1928
Jackson Pollock. One: Number 31, 1950
Do these paintings convey chaos or control? What do you think? Helen Frankenthaler, Jacobs Ladder, 1928 Jackson Pollock. One: Number 31, 1950