1. Abstract Expressionism

2. What is Abstract Expressionism?
Wanted to represent the unconscious mind - like a “signature of the mind”.
Does not represent physical objects.
Can look accidental or random - but is deliberate by the individual artist.
Challenged the idea that abstract art must represent the physical world.
One of the most famous Abstract Expressionists was the painter, Jackson Pollock.
Known for enormous splatter paintings that covered entire walls.

3. The Case for Abstraction
Art slowly became more abstract - it looked less realistic, on purpose.
Rejected the idea of “representation”
Fauvism, Cubism, Futurism, German Expressionism, Dadaism, Minimalism, Op Art
Kandinsky - painted music - had
Abstraction was not very organized - the names of the groups and movements were often given later on.
Mondrian - primary color grids with black lines.
Jazz influenced many abstract artists

4. “Art is Pretentious”
Is abstract art just made to impress elite, rich art dealers and collectors?
Can art have value in its meaning, even if it is made of cheap materials?
The price of art has to do with perception:
Fame, artistic renown, past art sales, museum recognition, history, importance in specific art movement, etc.
Having an open mind about art does not mean you have to like a certain artist or type of art - but you can consider what has made it important or notable.

5. Fine Art Market
Adam Ruins Everything - “How the Fine Art Market is a Scam”
The value of contemporary art works from current artists is often determined by luck, marketing, and networking with rich collectors… who might have ulterior motives for paying so much for art.
Highly-valued works of art can be donated to museums as a tax write-off.
Abstract Expressionism and other Modern Art movements got rid of most of the objective the rules about what makes art good (realistic, traditional techniques, high-quality materials)
Getting noticed by the right (wealthy, influential) people and creating a name or brand for oneself is key
This makes it easier for the art market to inflate prices and enrich themselves and their fellow art collectors.

6. The Art of the Steal
Documentary about an extraordinary collection of priceless artworks.
The art was owned by Dr. Albert C. Barnes, who started a school.
Upon his death, there was a fight for who would gain possession of the large collection of incredible, historic artworks.
Barnes’ will stated that the art should never be removed from the school or sold.
Nevertheless, “a powerful group of moneyed interests have gone to court for control of the art, and intend to bring it to a new museum in Philadelphia.”