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A post-World War II movement that developed in New York in the mid 1940s. abstract Expressionism was all about filling the canvas with vibrant brushstrokes that exuded intense emotions. The most famous painters of this movement are Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning and Franz Kitne. The movement inspired artists to create monumentally-sized works that represented the inner psyche, breaking away from traditional forms of art.

The name Abstract Expressionism came to be accepted by the group of artists since they all expressed intense emotions and universal themes but were also inspired by Surrealist art. In the beginning, the artists looked at primitive and ancient cultures to inspire them, and hence, their early works had pictographic elements. Later on, the movement showcased different techniques of abstraction developed along the way. In 1947, Jackson Pollock developed a radical new technique, wherein he dripped and poured paint on a canvas. The paintings were large in scale and shocked many viewers, who were also exposed to Kooing’s new style of using figurative elements in abstract style.

The first generation of abstract expressionists grew between the mid-1940s and 1950s and changed the focus of the art world from Paris to New York. And, in a time of uncertainty and doubt, this movement emerged as the first authentically American avant garde art movement.

Examples

Excavation: This painting, made in 1950 by Willem de Kooning, showcases his innovative brushstroke techniques and organisation of space. It has a great mix of tension between abstraction and figurative elements. Over six-and-a-half feet tall and eight feet wide, this painting is the biggest he ever made.

The Moon Woman: This Jackson Pollock painting was during the days he shifted from Regionalism to Abstract Expressionism. There is a moon woman, a regionalist theme, strong and challenging. But there is also more because the painting doesn’t merely show everything clearly but abstracts it, and adds fiery colours to elevate its intensity. This is the perfect juxtaposition of two art movements.

Symphony No. 1, The Transcendental: Richard Pousette-Dart painted this monumental piece thick with dark colours. The work is a mix of Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism and mural painting. The title allows us to believe that Pousette-Dart was trying to create an elevated, aesthetic experience, like an orchestral symphony.

Wow Facts

• Due to the chaos and tumultuous times in Europe, many artists migrated to New York, and suddenly, New York became the centre of modern art. And Abstract Expressionism, deemed an American art movement, created art that was large, individualistic and romantic.


• In the 1940s, Jackson Pollock’s approach to art changed the potential of contemporary art and redefined it. His technique of dripping paint on canvas to express intense emotions made him realize that the journey of making art was as important as the art itself.

 

Picture Credit : Google

Regionalism (1930 to 1935 AD)

During the Great Depression, many American artists rejected urban and modern art movements and went back to traditional paintings and using art as a form of storytelling. Regionalism was born. The artists so they can be enjoyed by a larger audience. The art depicted rural and rustic America, particularly the Midwest and the Deep South, and was appreciated for the positive images it created during a hard time.

What regionalists tried to do was to create something distinctly American, and rejected the idea of abstraction. So they painted the rustic world around them – farmers, ranches, the atmosphere, small cities, everyday life and generally imbibed American culture and traditions into their art. Three artists were at the forefront of this movement – Grant Wood, John Steuart Curry and Thomas Hart Benton.

Unlike other art movements that had a manifesto and agenda, Regionalism developed rather organically. It was a natural response to a situation, and this is probably also why it didn’t last long. At the end of World War II, Regionalism lost its status. There was peace and prosperity and the upcoming Cold War also changed the political and social situations, which led to the movement’s decline.

Examples

American Gothic: This 1930 piece by Grant Wood is instantly recognisable as one of America’s timeless works of art. It shows an aloof couple, where the man stares straight at the viewer at the while the woman looks at the frame.

The People of Chilmark: Thomas Hart Benton summered in the Chilmark area of Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, where he found several inspirations to paint – from waves and boats to dramatic skies and people. “ The People of Chilmark” was one of his works there, and it featured family and friends busy with several activities from boating to playing basketball.

Baptism in Kansas: Painted in 1928 by John Steuart Curry, this painting depicts a baptism in a water tank. The sky has a dove and raven, a reference to the birds Noah first released from the Ark. The painting has spiritual and religious significance.

Wow facts

• All three artists of the Regionalist movement studied in Paris and grew to create art distinctly American. They believed that the solution to the Great Depression and all of America’s problems was for it to return agrarian roots.


• Regionalism became a bridge between abstract and realistic art, so much so that following this movement came the intense and daring Abstract Expressionism. This is similar to how Impressionism was a bridge between academic art and post-Impressionism.

 

Picture Credit : Google