When it comes to the art movements that gave birth to abstract expressionism known today, it must be admitted that the Americans were particularly influential. Lee Krasner, Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, and also Jackson Pollock, were able to change the art world by emphasizing the concept of the artist's freedom. Here are some important aspects to remember about abstract expression.
Leave Europe to live in New York!
Europe has been home to the most famous artistic radios since the 1940s. The old continent was also considered the birthplace of many modern art forms, such as surrealism, modernism, cubism, etc. The city of Paris was even considered the main beacon of world art. However, the second war depressed many artists and lowered their spirits, especially starting in 1939. It is therefore not surprising that the artists of Abstract Expressionism still seem to be American... Indeed, many emigrated to America, such as Mark Rothko who is of Latvian origin, Arshile Gorky from Armenia, or Willem de Kooning who is of Dutch origin.
Emotions in a major form
Total figurative destruction and abstract expressionism clearly demonstrate their physical, intellectual, and moral power. The artists fill the fabric of what is called the "Full Body". They do this with great care, as required by the new technique. While they engage in a broad artistic field, they still place great importance on deep abstraction in their work.
When talking about essential artistic works, a 195 by 114 cm Alchemy by Jackson Pollock or a 121.6 by 152.4 cm William the Kooning Woman would immediately come to mind. On the other hand, the term abstract does not mean senseless. The artists have reiterated in writing their feelings about injustice and suffering. If we were to sum it up in one word, we could say that Abstract Expressionism values and allows artists to be creative and free to express themselves in the form that suits them best.
Jackson Pollock: the prototype of Abstract Expressionism
The new relationship between action and the artist's work is one of the fundamental elements of American Abstract Expressionism. This basis is divided into two parts: Colorfield Painting and Action Painting. Franz Kline, Willem de Kooning, and especially Jackson Pollock represented the Moleca countryside. Jackson Pollock (1912-1956) established the fundamentals of this technique. While he created new approaches to painting, he remained faithful to the academic painting. On the other hand, he did not use a cigarette butt but put the board on the ground, which is called the dripping technique. Jackson Pollock said at the time that he felt "more comfortable" on the floor, and closer to his painting board. He also forgot about knives, trowels, sticks, palettes, brushes, and industrial paints. Before covering the expanse of the canvas, he might make a small hole in the colored pot or violently squirt the paint.